Greater Bay Airlines Seeks Entry Into U.S. Territories Market

Key Takeaways

• Greater Bay Airlines seeks U.S. Foreign Air Carrier Permit to fly Hong Kong–Saipan starting winter 2025-26.
• Flights will operate twice weekly using Boeing 737-800; Guam service depends on delayed Boeing 737-9 deliveries.
• Entry aims to boost competition, offering direct routes to U.S. Pacific territories currently lacking nonstop Hong Kong flights.

Greater Bay Airlines Moves to Launch Direct Flights from Hong Kong to Saipan: What It Means for Travelers, Airlines, and U.S. Territories

Greater Bay Airlines (GBA) has taken a major step toward expanding its international reach by applying for permission to fly directly between Hong Kong and Saipan, a U.S. territory in the Pacific. If approved, this will be the airline’s first scheduled passenger service to a U.S. territory, with flights expected to begin in the winter 2025-26 season. This move could reshape travel options for people in both regions, increase competition, and bring new choices for travelers and businesses alike.

Let’s break down what’s happening, why it matters, and what it could mean for passengers, airlines, and the U.S. territories involved.

Who, What, When, Where, and Why

• Who: Greater Bay Airlines, a Hong Kong-based carrier, is seeking to start direct flights to Saipan in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), a U.S. territory.
• What: The airline has filed for a U.S. Foreign Air Carrier Permit (FACP) and an exemption with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). This is required for any foreign airline wanting to operate scheduled flights to the United States 🇺🇸 or its territories.
• When: If all approvals are granted, flights are planned to begin in the winter 2025-26 season. Service to Guam, another U.S. territory, is expected to follow in 2026, depending on aircraft deliveries.
• Where: The new route will connect Hong Kong and Saipan, with plans to add Guam later. Both routes are currently not served by nonstop flights from Hong Kong.
• Why: GBA wants to expand its network, offer more travel choices, and compete in markets that have been underserved. This move also fits within the U.S.–Hong Kong air services agreement, which allows such operations under certain rules.

How Will the Flights Work?

Greater Bay Airlines plans to operate twice-weekly flights between Hong Kong and Saipan using Boeing 737-800 aircraft. These planes are known for their reliability and are already part of GBA’s fleet. For the Guam route, the airline plans to use the newer Boeing 737-9 aircraft, but delivery of these planes has been delayed due to ongoing tensions between the United States 🇺🇸 and China 🇨🇳, which have affected Boeing’s ability to deliver planes to Hong Kong.

Regulatory Hurdles and Approval Process

Before GBA can start flying to Saipan, it must clear several regulatory steps:

1. Filing for a U.S. Foreign Air Carrier Permit (FACP): GBA submitted its application to the U.S. DOT in June 2025. This permit is required for any foreign airline to operate scheduled flights to the United States 🇺🇸 or its territories. You can learn more about the FACP process on the U.S. Department of Transportation’s official website.

2. Regulatory Review: The U.S. DOT and aviation authorities in the CNMI and Guam will review the application. These authorities are known for their careful review of new foreign airlines, especially given the current sensitive geopolitical climate.

3. Aircraft Preparation: GBA will use its existing Boeing 737-800s for the Saipan route. The Guam route will have to wait until the airline receives its new Boeing 737-9s.

4. Operational Planning: This includes setting up flight schedules, training crews, and preparing ground operations in Saipan and Guam.

5. Market Launch: If all goes as planned, the Hong Kong–Saipan route will launch in winter 2025-26, with Guam service to follow in 2026.

Ownership and Company Background

In its application, Greater Bay Airlines confirmed it is fully owned by East Pacific (Holdings) Limited, a Hong Kong company. The main owner is Wong Cho Bau, who holds 80% of the shares. The other owners are Lai Wan Kwan (15%) and Li Albert Chee Man (5%). Wong Cho Bau also owns Donghai Airlines and Donghai Jet in mainland China, showing strong connections in the aviation industry.

Fleet and Route Plans

• Current Fleet: GBA operates 8–9 Boeing 737-800s.
• On Order: 15 Boeing 737-9s (delivery delayed), and a non-binding commitment for 5 Boeing 787s.
• Route Frequency: Planned twice-weekly flights between Hong Kong and Saipan using Boeing 737-800s. Guam service will follow with Boeing 737-9s once they are delivered.

Market Context: Why These Routes Matter

Both Saipan and Guam are important U.S. territories in the Pacific. Right now, there are no nonstop flights from Hong Kong to either destination. Hong Kong Airlines is scheduled to resume Saipan flights in August 2025 using Airbus A320 aircraft, but otherwise, the market is wide open.

For years, travelers between Hong Kong and these U.S. territories have had to connect through other cities, adding time and cost to their journeys. Direct flights would make travel much easier and could encourage more tourism, business, and family visits.

What’s at Stake for Passengers and Airlines?

For Passengers:
– More Choices: Direct flights mean less travel time and more convenience.
– Lower Fares: Increased competition often leads to better prices.
– Improved Service: Airlines may try harder to attract customers, leading to better service and more options.

For Incumbent Airlines:
– U.S. carriers like United Airlines and Delta Air Lines currently serve Guam and CNMI from other cities. They may respond to GBA’s entry by lowering prices, improving services, or forming partnerships to keep their market share.

For Greater Bay Airlines:
– This is a big step. Entering the U.S. market is a major milestone, but it comes with challenges. The airline must meet strict U.S. safety and operational standards, and it faces delays in getting new planes due to international tensions.

Regulatory and Geopolitical Challenges

The approval process is not simple. U.S. authorities are known for their strict standards, especially for new foreign airlines. The ongoing tensions between the United States 🇺🇸 and China 🇨🇳 have made things even more complicated, especially when it comes to delivering new Boeing aircraft to Hong Kong.

The delivery of 15 Boeing 737-9s, which are needed for the Guam route, has been delayed. Boeing has suspended deliveries to China and Hong Kong, and there is no clear timeline for when this will change. This means GBA’s plans for Guam are on hold until the situation is resolved.

Industry Perspectives: What Experts Are Saying

Industry experts point out several key issues:

• Regulatory Complexity: U.S. territories have high standards for new airlines. GBA must show it can meet all safety, ownership, and operational requirements.
• Competitive Dynamics: GBA’s entry is expected to increase competition, which could mean lower fares and better service for travelers. However, established airlines may use their experience and resources to defend their market share.
• Geopolitical Risks: The delay in aircraft deliveries shows how international politics can affect airline expansion plans.

Multiple Perspectives: How Different Groups Are Affected

• Greater Bay Airlines: Sees this move as a way to grow its network and enter new markets that have not had many choices.
• U.S. Carriers: May see GBA as a new competitor and could respond with new strategies to keep their customers.
• Regulators: Want to make sure all airlines follow the rules and keep passengers safe.
• Travelers: Stand to benefit the most, with more options and possibly lower prices.

Background: Greater Bay Airlines and U.S.–Hong Kong Air Services

Greater Bay Airlines was founded in 2020 and has quickly grown its network across Asia. It now serves 13 international destinations. The legal framework for these new routes comes from the U.S.–Hong Kong air services agreement, which sets the rules for flights between the two regions. However, few Hong Kong-based airlines have actually started regular flights to U.S. territories, making GBA’s move significant.

Historically, Saipan and Guam have relied on U.S. and Japanese airlines for international flights. GBA’s entry would bring more diversity to the market and could help both tourism and business travel.

Step-by-Step: How GBA Plans to Launch the New Route

1. Application: GBA filed for the U.S. Foreign Air Carrier Permit in June 2025.
2. Review: U.S. DOT and local authorities in CNMI and Guam are reviewing the application.
3. Aircraft: GBA will use its current Boeing 737-800s for Saipan. Guam service will wait for new Boeing 737-9s.
4. Operations: The airline is preparing schedules, training staff, and setting up ground operations.
5. Launch: If approved, flights to Saipan will start in winter 2025-26. Guam flights will follow in 2026, depending on aircraft delivery.

What’s Next? Timeline and Pending Developments

• Regulatory Approval: The timeline for approval is not certain, but GBA hopes to get the green light before winter 2025-26.
• Aircraft Deliveries: The start of Guam service depends on when Boeing can deliver the new 737-9s. Industry watchers are waiting for updates on this issue.
• Market Response: How other airlines and passengers react will help decide if these new routes are successful in the long run.

Summary Table: Greater Bay Airlines U.S. Territories Expansion

Practical Guidance for Travelers and Stakeholders

• Travelers: Watch for announcements from Greater Bay Airlines and other carriers about new routes and fares. Direct flights can save time and money, especially for those visiting family or doing business in Saipan or Guam.
• Businesses: More direct flights can help companies move people and goods more easily between Hong Kong and the U.S. territories.
• Airlines: All carriers should prepare for increased competition and look for ways to improve their services.
• Regulators: Will continue to focus on safety, security, and fair competition.

Where to Find More Information

• For updates on Greater Bay Airlines and its expansion plans, visit the Greater Bay Airlines official website.
• For official information on the U.S. Foreign Air Carrier Permit process, visit the U.S. Department of Transportation’s licensing page.
• For operator certification and safety oversight in Hong Kong, see the Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department.

Conclusion: What to Expect in the Coming Months

Greater Bay Airlines’ plan to launch direct flights from Hong Kong to Saipan, and later to Guam, marks a big change for travel between Asia and the U.S. Pacific territories. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the next six months will be critical. The airline must secure regulatory approvals and resolve aircraft delivery issues before it can start flying. If successful, travelers can look forward to more choices, better prices, and improved service. The move also signals a shift in the competitive landscape, with established airlines likely to respond to protect their share of the market.

For now, all eyes are on the regulators and Boeing’s delivery schedule. The outcome will shape the future of air travel between Hong Kong and these important U.S. territories.

Learn Today

Greater Bay Airlines → A Hong Kong-based airline expanding internationally with plans for U.S. territory flights.
Foreign Air Carrier Permit (FACP) → U.S. authorization required for foreign airlines to operate scheduled U.S. or territory flights.
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) → A U.S. territory in the Pacific, including Saipan, subject to U.S. aviation regulations.
Boeing 737-800 → A reliable, narrow-body jet used by GBA for planned direct flights to Saipan.
Geopolitical tensions → Political conflicts between countries affecting airline operations and aircraft deliveries.

This Article in a Nutshell

Greater Bay Airlines plans direct Hong Kong to Saipan flights by winter 2025-26. This increase in direct routes promises easier travel, new competition, and stronger connections for passengers and businesses across Asia and U.S. Pacific territories, pending regulatory approval and aircraft deliveries impacted by geopolitical issues.
— By VisaVerge.com