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HK budget airline gets off ground HK budget airline gets off ground
(about 2 hours later)
The inaugural flight of Hong Kong's first budget airline Oasis has finally taken off, a day later than planned.The inaugural flight of Hong Kong's first budget airline Oasis has finally taken off, a day later than planned.
The flight to London Gatwick was meant to leave on Wednesday afternoon but was delayed after Russia held back its right to overfly Russian territory. The flight to London Gatwick was meant to leave on Wednesday afternoon, but was delayed after Moscow held back its right to fly over Russian territory.
After hours of delay, passengers on the fully-booked flight disembarked and went home or to hotels for the night. After hours of delay, passengers on the fully-booked flight disembarked and spent the night at home or in hotels.
Oasis Chairman Raymond Lee told reporters Russia gave permission to fly into its airspace on Wednesday evening. Oasis has made headlines by promising low-cost long-haul flights while still offering in-flight services.
Chairman Raymond Lee said the firm had been "shocked and stunned" by Russia's withdrawal of its overfly permission, after a year of negotiations.
"We already paid all the money, had the receipts and the confirmation number, and this sudden cancellation... was there a misunderstanding?" he told reporters at the airport.
Compensation
He said news of the decision came an hour before the Boeing 747's maiden flight was due to take off, but the airline did not immediately inform passengers as it thought the situation would be resolved.
Oasis was given clearance late on Wednesday evening, he added.
"We've been approved from a very responsible and reliable source that we can definitely fly through the Moscow airspace today," he said, before the plane left."We've been approved from a very responsible and reliable source that we can definitely fly through the Moscow airspace today," he said, before the plane left.
He said the airline had negotiated with the Russian authorities for over-flight rights for more than a year, and was "shocked and stunned" at the last-minute withdrawal of permission. Passengers received compensation for the delayed flight
The plane left for London's Gatwick airport at 1300 local time (0515GMT) carrying 300 passengers. The plane left for London's Gatwick airport at 1320 local time (0520GMT) carrying 300 passengers.
Unlike many low-cost carriers Oasis offers food and intends to concentrate on long-haul routes. The passengers had spent some six hours on board the grounded plane on Wednesday before being told the flight was being rescheduled for the following day.
They were offered cash coupons and a free air ticket as compensation, Oasis said.
Oasis has promised to shake up the airline industry in Hong Kong and beyond as the first budget carrier to focus only on the long haul.
Seats in economy class cost from US$200 (£112) including tax.Seats in economy class cost from US$200 (£112) including tax.
The airline also offers a business class, which it says is cheaper than economy on established airlines.The airline also offers a business class, which it says is cheaper than economy on established airlines.
However, environmental groups have expressed concern about the trend of budget long-haul flights, and say that low-price fares do not reflect the true cost of the environmental damage they cause.However, environmental groups have expressed concern about the trend of budget long-haul flights, and say that low-price fares do not reflect the true cost of the environmental damage they cause.
Shake-up promised
Oasis Airlines was set up last year by Stephen Miller. He had earlier founded Dragonair, an airline since bought out by Hong Kong's main carrier, Cathay Pacific.
For his new venture he received financial backing from Hong Kong investors including the Reverend Raymond and Priscylla Lee, who had moved long ago from ministry into property development.
Oasis promises to shake up the airline industry in Hong Kong and beyond as the first budget carrier to focus only on the long haul.
After a few months flying to London, Oasis plans to fly to the US and to destinations in Europe such as Berlin and Milan.
On the London route alone, Oasis will spark direct competition with Cathay Pacific, British Airways and Virgin Airlines.
Industry experts say prices across the board will have to be lowered.