Hong Kong Airlines Organizes "Embrace the World" Airbus Tour

HONG KONG, Jan. 25, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- To support the younger generation to achieve the dream of flying high, Hong Kong Airlines, a full-service airline, is honored to have the full support of Airbus, the world-class aircraft manufacturer, in organizing the first-ever Hong Kong student tour to Airbus' aircraft manufacturing base in Asia. The two leading aviation companies co-organized "Embrace the World" Airbus Tour from 21 to 23 January 2016 for 10 outstanding award-winning students who have participated in Hong Kong Airlines' "Embrace the World" Student Sponsorship Programme. The group visited Airbus Training Centre in Beijing and A320 Family Final Assembly Line in Tianjin to learn more about aviation.

Launched in 2014, Hong Kong Airlines "Embrace the World" Student Sponsorship Programme has sponsored 50 primary and secondary schools so far, giving away 1000 complimentary air tickets to students with outstanding performance in academic or other aspects, offering them a free ride with Hong Kong Airlines to travel the world and broaden their horizons. Students participating in this tour to Tianjin and Beijing are from different schools in Hong Kong. All of them have redeemed the complimentary tickets last year, and shared the most exciting parts of their journey with the airline by submitting travel journals. Among all, Hong Kong Airlines picked 10 outstanding journals and invited the award-winning students to be the first-ever student group in Hong Kong visiting the Airbus A320 Family Final Assembly Line in Tianjin. The group also visited the Airbus Beijing Campus and Training Centre, expanding their knowledge and horizons.

Mr. Li Dianchun, Chief Commercial Officer of Hong Kong Airlines said, "Rooted in Hong Kong, Hong Kong Airlines strives to nurture young people in our community and expose them to the world of aviation. I am excited to witness the birth of the "Best of the Best" of our first year programme. It is our honor to join hands with Airbus, the world-acclaimed aircraft manufacturer, to organize the first-ever Hong Kong student tour to Airbus' aircraft manufacturing base in Asia."

Mr. Stanley Kan, Director of Service Delivery of Hong Kong Airlines said, "Through this tour, we hope to encourage students to explore the world and pursue their dreams, inspire their interest and become stars of tomorrow of the industry. Hong Kong Airlines will continue this programme in the coming school year, promoting the development of the local aviation industry and nurturing aviation talents."

Ms. Lindsey Mi, Vice President of Communications at Airbus China said, "Welcome our friends of Hong Kong Airlines and representatives of Hong Kong students to visit Airbus Beijing and Airbus Tianjin. We share common mission and willingness with Hong Kong Airlines in promoting the sustainable development of the aviation industry. We hope to attract more and more young talents to devote themselves to the aviation industry and make their contribution."

The 3 days 2 nights tour was packed with excitement. Upon arrival at Beijing, the capital of China, students first paid a visit to the Airbus Beijing Campus, learning the development and contribution in China of this world-acclaimed aircraft manufacturer. The group then visited Hua-Ou Aviation Training Centre, experienced flight simulator for their first time and got a deeper understanding about training of aviation professionals. Hua-Ou Aviation Training Centre is the only training centre of Airbus in China. It has trained more than 30,000 pilots, cabin attendants and maintenance engineers so far.

Another highlight of this tour is undoubtedly the Airbus A320 Family Final Assembly Line in Tianjin, China (FALC). It is the third single-aisle aircraft final assembly line location of Airbus worldwide, following Toulouse, France and Hamburg, Germany. It is also the only Airbus final assembly line in Asia. Since Airbus has never organized a tour for Hong Kong students in the past, it is definitely a valuable opportunity for the participants. The whole group was amazed by the meticulous manufacturing of all parts of the plane and seamless teamwork when touring around the assembly workshops and related facilities.

Mr. Watchman Fong, student from CCC Kei San Secondary School said, "I have been an aviation enthusiast since I was a kid. Every time when I board a plane, while others may care about the latest blockbusters on IFE system, I will focus on the hardware of the plane like its aircraft type and engine. Thanks Hong Kong Airlines for organizing this sponsorship programme, offering me a chance to fly to Taipei with my classmates and teachers last year. And now, I can even learn how an aircraft is built with students from other schools. It's definitely a dream come true."

Apart from Airbus facilities, visits to famous scenic spots were equally important. In the 3-day tour, students had a great time visiting landmarks like Tianjin Eye, Porcelain House, Tianjin Ancient Culture Street, etc., and tasting local delicacies in chilly winter. "Last year I had my first-ever air travel with Hong Kong Airlines' complimentary tickets and joined an exchange tour to Okinawa with my schoolmates. And in less than 6 months, I am now having another chance to fly to Beijing and Tianjin, getting a broad range of professional insights that I have never had access to. I enjoyed a lot and treasured this unique experience", Ms. Zhu Mengsi, student from Cotton Spinners Association Secondary School expressed her excitement.