U-FLY Alliance
 | |
| Launch date | 18 January 2016 |
|---|---|
| Full members | 4 |
| Destination airports | 85 |
| Destination countries | 9 |
| Annual passengers (M) | 17.1 |
| Fleet size | 67 |
| Headquarters | Hong Kong |
| Management | Andrew Cowen, CEO |
| Alliance slogan | U fly the world |
| Website | uflyalliance.com |
The U-FLY Alliance (Chinese:优行联盟) is the world's first alliance of low-cost carriers, formed in January 2016 between founding members HK Express, Lucky Air, Urumqi Air, and West Air.[1] All four airlines are affiliated with the HNA Group, with a focus on Hong Kong, mainland China, and Southeast Asia, but they are currently seeking new members which are not affiliated with HNA Group.[2]
History
The alliance was formed for various reasons. Since China’s provinces vary in what they allow and don’t allow for airlines it is difficult for two or more airlines to merge who are from different regions. So a way was found to get around the obstacle and an alliance was used to help smaller airlines grow larger without becoming one company in different many provinces. Another motivator for creating an alliance instead of merging is that the regions preferred to have a local airline with name that can advocate for the area that it is in.[3]
U-FLY Alliance was announced on 18 January 2016 at a press conference in Hong Kong. The founding members are all part of HNA Group, a Chinese conglomerate. However, the alliance bears no outward affiliation with the group, and it is open to airlines outside of it.[3]
By 2020, the alliance hopes to have a fleet of over 218 aircraft.[3] Of the 218 aircraft Lucky Air hopes to grow to 60 aircraft, West Air to 60, HK Express to 50, and Urumqi Air to 48.[3]
Member airlines
| Member | Joined |
|---|---|
| HK Express | 18 January 2016 |
| Lucky Air | 18 January 2016 |
| Urumqi Air | 18 January 2016 |
| West Air | 18 January 2016 |
| Eastar Jet | 27 July 2016 |
{{multiple image|caption_align=center|header_align=center
|align=center |direction=horizontal |header=Founding members |width= |image1=HK Express ,UO687 ,Airbus A320-232 ,B-LCA ,Departed to Hong Kong ,Kansai Airport (16809182661).jpg |caption1=HK Express |image2=Lucky Air Airbus A319-112 B-6221 (8742588573).jpg |caption2=Lucky Air |image3=B-6268 Boeing 737-8LPW Urumqi Air(ex N482AG) PAE 28JUL15.jpg |caption3=Urumqi Air |image4=B-6743 - China West Air - Airbus A320-232 - CKG (9254170777).jpg |caption4=West Air |image5=Eastar Jet Boeing 737-800 HL8269 RJAA.JPG |caption5=Eastar Jet
References
- ^ "About Us: U-FLY Alliance". U-FLY Alliance.
- ^ "Press Release: HK Express Launch of U-FLY Alliance" (PDF). U-FLY Alliance. 18 January 2016. Retrieved 15 February 2016.
- ^ a b c d "HNA Group: four airlines form U-FLY Alliance, world's first LCC grouping, showing HNA consolidation". CAPA - Centre for Aviation. 22 January 2016. Retrieved 15 February 2016.
External links
