Flight Buzz
HK Express Launches Direct Flights, Hong Kong Joins Philippines and Taiwan, Strengthens Regional Connectivity: Here’s What You Need To Know
Monday, August 4, 2025
HK Express Airways has recently launched a daily service connecting Hong Kong and Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (SZB), also known as Subang Airport, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This new route marks the airline’s second destination in Malaysia, after Penang, enhancing its network in Southeast Asia and offering more travel opportunities for passengers.
The launch of the Hong Kong-Subang route comes as part of the airline’s effort to increase regional connectivity, making it easier for travelers to explore Malaysia and the surrounding regions. Subang is strategically located just 30 minutes from the city center of Kuala Lumpur, offering easy access to major cultural, economic, and tourist hubs.
Connecting Hong Kong with Malaysia’s Key Locations
Including Subang enhances HK Express’s role as a major carrier connecting key cities in Southeast Asia. The airline has incorporated Penang as another gateway into Malaysia and now offers daily flights to Subang. This development illustrates HK Express’s commitment to bolstering the region’s aviation infrastructure. With this added connection, travelers now have increased ease of access to a multitude of destinations throughout Asia via Hong Kong.
A Smooth, Convenient Route for Passengers
The daily flight, which operates on an A320 aircraft, provides a direct connection between Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) and Subang (SZB). The flight duration is approximately four hours and five minutes, making it a convenient option for those wishing to explore Kuala Lumpur and its surrounding attractions.
According to airline sources, round-trip fares between Hong Kong and Subang are estimated at USD170 for flights booked between August and December 2025. The flight service departs Hong Kong International at 16:45, arriving in Subang at 20:30. The return flight leaves Subang at 21:30, reaching Hong Kong at 01:35.
Enhancing Tourism and Cultural Exchange
At Subang Airport, the launching event, welcomed the inbound passengers as they received souvenirs from Tourism Malaysia and Subang Airport representatives. The newly opened flight route is anticipated to greatly enhance the tourism flow between Hong Kong and Malaysia as it enables easier access to Malaysia’s cultural gems and truistic landmarks.
Jeanette Mao, the CEO of HK Express, expressed her excitement at the new service, highlighting the airline’s role in enhancing regional connectivity. She emphasized the airline’s ongoing commitment to connecting Asia’s exciting destinations, creating new opportunities for travelers to explore the unique charm and culture of the region.
Moreover, she noted that the 30-minute transfer from Subang Airport to Kuala Lumpur’s city center makes the route even more convenient for both leisure and business travelers. This connection not only supports the tourism sector but also fosters greater economic collaboration between Hong Kong and Malaysia.
Supporting Malaysia’s Tourism Goals
Malaysia’s Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign also stands to benefit from this new route. Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, the Director General of Tourism Malaysia, expressed his delight in welcoming HK Express to Subang Airport. He remarked that the route provides international travelers with more convenient options to visit Malaysia and experience its vibrant culture, historic landmarks, and world-class hospitality.
He further stated that Subang Airport is a strategic gateway for tourists to access top attractions such as the Petronas Twin Towers, the Bukit Bintang shopping district, and the delicious street food at Petaling Street.
Promoting Connectivity Through the Belt and Road Initiative
In her remarks, Mao highlighted that the new route supports the broader goals of the Belt and Road Initiative, a global development strategy aimed at improving connectivity and fostering economic exchanges across Asia. By adding this route, HK Express further underscores its commitment to supporting this initiative, ensuring easier travel between key destinations across Asia.
Looking ahead, HK Express is focused on expanding its regional presence and enhancing its route network. The airline aims to provide travelers with more opportunities to discover the rich diversity and cultural offerings of Asia.
Subang Airport as a Gateway for Malaysia’s Treasures
The traveler has ease of access to all of Malaysia’s offerings from the bustling metropolitan Kuala Lumpur to the serene beaches of Langkawi. The new route is also important to Subang as it is now part of the HK Express Network. Now almost every corner of the country can be accessed by the travelers with ease alongside the new experiences Malaysia has to offer.
With its increased connectivity, travelers will have more flexibility when planning their trips to Malaysia, and airlines like HK Express are set to play a crucial role in bolstering the region’s tourism infrastructure.
American Airlines AAdvantage miles are some of the hardest airline miles to earn. The airline program is only a transfer partner of one major transferable credit card issuer, Citi ThankYou Rewards.
However, though American Airlines is not a direct transfer partner of most issuers, specifically Chase Ultimate Rewards, this shouldn’t stop you from redeeming your hard-earned Chase points for American flights.
Let’s dive into the various ways to fly on American metal using Chase points.
Transfer Chase points to airline partners to book American Airlines flights
American is part of the Oneworld alliance, and multiple Oneworld airlines are transfer partners of Chase Ultimate Rewards. This means you can transfer Chase points to one of these airlines at a 1:1 ratio and use them to book American partner flights.
For instance, this American Airlines flight from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to Aruba’s Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA) is bookable through British Airways with 30,000 Avios plus $16 in taxes and fees for economy.
Or, you could book this direct flight from Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) to Frankfurt Airport (FRA), operated by American, through Qatar Airways for 25,750 Avios and $240 in taxes and fees.
There are five airline loyalty programs through which you can book American flights with Chase points: Aer Lingus AerClub, British Airways Club and Iberia Club. Though Finnair Plus and Qatar Airways Privilege Club are not direct Chase transfer partners, you can easily transfer Avios between the five programs at a 1:1 ratio.
All of the above airlines use Avios as their loyalty currency. However, you may see different award rates or availability on each airline’s site.
For instance, the Charlotte-to-Frankfurt example that I found on Qatar Airways is also available through British Airways for 25,750 Avios and $233 in taxes and fees. The cost in Avios is the same, but the taxes and fees vary slightly. The Atlanta-to-Aruba flight, on the other hand, isn’t available on Qatar’s site. It’s worth checking each partner airline in case you find better prices or availability on one of them.
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Don’t forget to check TPG’s list of current transfer bonuses before you transfer rewards. Chase occasionally runs promotions that allow you to earn bonus points or miles when you transfer, helping you stretch your points further when transferring points to book American flights.
Transferring your Chase points to partners to book American flights can help you save money, but it may not be the best way to maximize your points. TPG values Ultimate Rewards points at 2.05 cents per point, per our July 2025 valuations, so you want to shoot for a similar value when redeeming your points. Make sure you compare the cash rate of the American flight to the award price.
Related: How to decide when to use cash or miles for buying airline tickets
Book American Airlines flights through the Chase Travel portal
Another route for booking American flights with Chase points is through Chase Travel℠, the issuer’s travel booking platform, where you can redeem points instead of cash to pay for travel.
If you can’t find the American flight you’re looking for through a partner airline or the partner’s redemption rates aren’t a good value, try this option instead. Chase Travel offers a wide variety of travel bookings, including American Airlines flights. However, American isn’t among the select airlines eligible for Chase’s Points Boost (for now), meaning you won’t be able to maximize the value of your points on American flights.
Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees) and Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business℠ (see rates and fees) cardholders who applied before June 23, 2025, can redeem their points at a flat rate of 1.5 cents apiece on American flights (on points earned prior to Oct. 26, 2025, and redeemed until Oct. 26, 2027, then 1 cent thereafter). Similarly, Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees) and Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card (see rates and fees) cardholders who applied before June 23 can get a value of 1.25 cents per point on American redemptions during the same time frame.
Meanwhile, those who applied after June 23 for any of the above cards will only get 1 cent per point in value when redeeming for American flights.
Depending on the flight, redeeming Chase points through the portal may not be the best option. Let’s look at our earlier example flight from Charlotte to Frankfurt. This flight costs $494 on Chase Travel or 39,520 points with my Chase Sapphire Preferred since I can currently redeem them for 1.25 cents each. I’d be better off transferring 26,000 points to British Airways Club, then transferring those points to Qatar Airways Privilege Club and booking the award flight for 25,750 Avios — saving myself nearly 14,000 points.
But this isn’t always the case. Sometimes, when award rates are high or partner airlines have limited availability, your best bet will be to redeem Chase points through Chase Travel.
You can generally get more value when you transfer Chase points to partners, but still, 1.25 or 1.5 cents per point is nothing to sneeze at. Unfortunately, this number will eventually drop to 1 cent per point for all cardholders, on par with other issuers’ travel portals, like American Express Travel, Capital One Travel and Citi Travel.
However, if Chase adds American Airlines to its list of Points Boost-eligible airlines, Chase Sapphire Reserve and Sapphire Reserve for Business cardholders could redeem their points for up to 2 cents each on American flights, while Chase Sapphire Preferred and Ink Business Preferred cardholders could redeem for up to 1.75 cents per point.
Related: Why Chase’s Points Boost is an outstanding (kind of surprising) new way to book hotels on points
Bottom line
Even though you can’t transfer Chase points straight to AAdvantage, there are multiple other avenues to book American Airlines flights with Chase points.
If you’re looking to earn more Chase points, the Chase Sapphire Reserve PID and the Sapphire Reserve for Business are fantastic cards to consider. Right now, new applicants who get approved for the Chase Sapphire Reserve can earn 100,000 bonus points plus a $500 Chase Travel credit* after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening — the best offer we’ve seen on this card. With the Sapphire Reserve for Business, you can earn 200,000 bonus points after spending $30,000 in the first six months from account opening.
*The promotional credit is valid for one-time use only. If you apply it to a transaction less than $500, you will forfeit the remaining balance.
Based on the previous example, 100,000 points are almost enough to fly two people round-trip from Charlotte to Frankfurt on American Airlines if you transfer your points to British Airways Avios and then to Qatar Airways Avios.
Flight Buzz
Delta Now Expands Nonstop Flights from Boston, Offering More Sunlight and Travel Options for Patriots’ Day Getaways
Monday, August 4, 2025
Patriots’ Day in Boston has traditionally marked the city’s homage to its storied past, yet in 2024 the observance will take on added appeal for visiting travelers. Delta Airlines has chosen this favorite holiday to announce a sizable service upgrade, introducing 40 fresh nonstop routes to 10 sought-after leisure hubs nationwide. These added flights will give Bostonians a wider array of options for trading the stubborn chill of early New England for the first taste of warm, sun-drenched spring break.
The new routes will serve as a welcome respite for those who are looking for a break from the cold, giving travelers more flexibility and convenience. Among the exciting additions is the debut of Delta’s service to Panama City, Florida (ECP) – a first-time destination from Boston. Whether you’re chasing sunshine, reconnecting with loved ones, or simply taking a much-needed break, these routes will ensure that getting there is just as enjoyable as the destination itself.
Bringing Sunshine to Bostonians for Patriots’ Day
Patriots’ Day is a celebration that holds a special place in the heart of every Bostonian. For years, residents have honored the historical significance of this day, but with Delta’s new flight additions, it’s now an opportunity for travelers to add some sunshine to their celebrations. The airline will operate nearly 6,000 additional seats across 40 nonstop flights, making it easier than ever for Bostonians to plan their spring break travel.
Amy Martin, Delta’s Vice President of Network Planning, expressed her excitement about the new offerings, stating, “Patriots’ Day is a uniquely Boston celebration, and we’re excited to offer nearly 6,000 additional seats on flights out of Boston to give our customers even more ways to make the most of the long weekend. Whether you’re chasing sunshine, reuniting with loved ones, or just taking a well-earned break, these new routes make it easier than ever to take off from Boston and land somewhere sunny.”
These expanded routes provide Bostonians with convenient access to a range of destinations that are perfect for a spring getaway. Whether it’s a beach retreat, a scenic coastal escape, or a vibrant city break, the expanded flight schedule offers something for everyone.
Expanded Flight Options to Popular U.S. Destinations
Delta’s expanded flight offerings will operate from Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) to 10 sought-after destinations across the U.S. This expansion means more options for travelers looking to head to iconic sun-soaked spots just in time for the spring break season. The added flights will be available on April 17, 18, 23, 24, 25, and 26, covering the following destinations:
- Panama City, Florida (ECP) – New nonstop service, perfect for those craving Florida’s Gulf Coast beaches.
- Charleston, South Carolina (CHS) – Explore the charming, historic streets of this Southern gem.
- Jacksonville, Florida (JAX) – A mix of beaches, culture, and vibrant city life.
- Orlando, Florida (MCO) – For those heading to world-class theme parks and family-friendly fun.
- Myrtle Beach, South Carolina (MYR) – A popular beach destination for relaxation and entertainment.
- West Palm Beach, Florida (PBI) – Palm trees, luxury, and waterfront dining.
- Pensacola, Florida (PNS) – A quaint beach town known for its white-sand beaches and historical significance.
- Fort Myers, Florida (RSW) – A peaceful retreat with stunning Gulf Coast views.
- Savannah, Georgia (SAV) – Southern charm, historic squares, and moss-covered oaks.
- Sarasota, Florida (SRQ) – Known for its arts scene and pristine Gulf Coast beaches.
These destinations are perfect for families, couples, solo travelers, or groups seeking a getaway to recharge after the winter months. Whether it’s basking on Florida’s sun-drenched beaches or exploring the charming streets of Savannah, Delta’s expanded network ensures that there’s a perfect destination for every type of traveler.
Delta’s Commitment to Boston and Seamless Travel Experiences
Delta’s decision to increase its offerings from Boston is a testament to the airline’s commitment to the city as a key coastal hub. By providing more nonstop options, the airline is ensuring that travelers have convenient routes to escape the New England winter and enjoy warm-weather getaways without the hassle of long layovers. This also further solidifies Delta’s role as Boston’s No. 1 premium global airline.
With a mix of flights operated by both Delta and Delta Connection, these new routes offer seamless connections to destinations across the U.S. As travelers head to cities like Charleston, Orlando, or West Palm Beach, they can expect Delta’s renowned customer service and reliability, making the journey as enjoyable as the destination.
As Boston’s No. 1 premium global airline, Delta offers 165 peak-day departures to 62 total destinations, including 11 international destinations and San Juan, Puerto Rico. With over 2,000 Bay State-based employees, Delta also fosters strong community partnerships to create a positive impact in the region.
Making Travel Easier for Everyone
Delta’s expanded flight options are also part of the airline’s broader efforts to cater to the needs of travelers during peak seasons. Patriots’ Day marks the beginning of the spring break period, and many Bostonians look forward to traveling to warmer destinations. With this in mind, Delta has worked to ensure that their new routes not only provide convenience but also flexibility, allowing travelers to plan their holidays with ease.
As part of its commitment to making travel smoother for everyone, Delta continues to enhance its flight options, ensuring that whether you’re heading to a sunny beach or a charming historical town, getting there is a breeze.
Delta’s Support for the Local Community
Beyond travel, Delta’s connection with the Boston community is strong. The airline and its foundation partner with over a dozen local organizations, actively contributing to the region’s growth and prosperity. From offering employment to supporting local causes, Delta’s presence in Boston extends far beyond the airport, making it a key player in the community’s development.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Travel from Boston
As Delta broadens its reach from Boston, the outlook for journeys emerging from this storied New England capital is exceptionally bright. A network increasingly layered with nonstop services, fresh destinations, and a steadfast focus on customer experience empowers residents to discover new domestic corners with notable simplicity.
In closing, Delta’s refreshed Patriots’ Day schedule promises to elevate the Boston travel experience by adding a suite of direct routes to sought-after locations, precisely aligned with the spring break drive. Whether the goal is to unwind along the Gulf Coast of Florida, savor the historic elegance of Charleston, or enjoy the excitement of Florida’s theme parks, Delta’s deeper timetable ensures the path from Boston is smoother and more inviting than ever.
Flight Buzz
More wealthy travellers are booking Emirates flights to the UK, mostly from China, India and Australia
Emirates has reported a surge in bookings from affluent international visitors to the UK, claiming the trend is “driving forward economic growth” for the country.
The airline saw first class bookings from China jump 27 per cent and from India by 17 per cent in the first half of the year, compared to 2024.
Business class bookings from Australia also rose 10 per cent.
Regional UK airports such as Glasgow and Newcastle are expected to see an increasing number of Chinese visitors, with inbound passenger numbers projected to rise by 18 per cent and 45 per cent respectively in the second half of 2025 compared with a year earlier.
All Emirates journeys on these routes involve passengers transiting through Dubai.
The airline recently signed a declaration of intent with tourism agency VisitBritain to boost inbound tourism.
“The UK is one of the most important markets in Emirates’ global network, and the growth in bookings we’ve seen over the past year reflects that,” Emirates UK divisional vice president Jabr Al-Azeeby said.
“We’ve seen a noticeable increase in inbound arrivals from key destinations such as Australia, India, and China, driving forward economic growth here in the UK.”
The Government’s ambition is for the UK to have 50 million international visitors a year by 2030.
An estimated 41.2 million inbound visits were made in 2024.
“Expanding airline routes and seat capacity into our regional gateways is crucial to our competitive tourism offer,” VisitBritain chief executive Patricia Yates said.
“International visitors are forecast to spend more than £34 billion in the UK this year.
“Making it easier for visitors to explore our nations and regions boosts that spending across more of Britain, supporting jobs, businesses and driving growth for local economies.”
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