In operation
Underwent voluntary administration in 2020; now operating under new owners
One of its first major aviation acquisitions happened in 2006, when it ventured into neighbouring Hong Kong to buy up shares in what was then known as CR Airways. HNA Group ended up taking around 60% of the carrier, and it was renamed Hong Kong Airlines. The strategy was to expand its presence in Hong Kong, connecting the city with points in China and beyond.
The same year, HNA Group also acquired shares in Hong Kong Express, which was operating a small fleet of regional jets. The new ownership paved the way for it to be rebranded as a low-cost carrier – and sister unit to Hong Kong Airlines.