Photo Credit: Nora Tam (SCMP)
Hong Kong Airlines aims to expand its recently introduced pet-in-cabin service, which has seen strong demand, resulting in bookings being fully reserved until mid-November.
In an exclusive interview with the South China Morning Post earlier this week, the airline’s president, Jeff Sun Jianfeng, revealed plans to broaden its pet-friendly offerings and introduce new family-oriented products tailored for toddlers, children, and seniors. The goal is to position Hong Kong Airlines as a fully inclusive airline that caters to a wide range of passenger needs.
“We’ve been developing the idea of a pet-friendly service for some time because many pet owners regard their furry companions as family and find it hard to leave them behind when traveling abroad,” explained Sun.
“When enhancing our services, our aim is to satisfy customers in every aspect. That’s why we launched this pet-in-cabin service, which is currently the only of its kind in Hong Kong, and it further reinforces our identity as an animal-friendly airline.”
Launched in February, the service is currently available only on flights to Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya. It costs HK$8,800 (approximately US$1,120) per pet, in addition to the passenger’s ticket, and allows dogs and cats to stay in the cabin as long as they are kept under the seat in front.
Each flight can accommodate two to six pet-in-cabin bookings, which must be made through the carrier’s exclusive agent, Pet Holidays. Pets must be either dogs or cats, weighing no more than 8 kilograms, and kept in carriers measuring no larger than 45cm x 21cm x 37cm.
Passengers with pets are assigned a dedicated check-in counter, where staff escort them through a priority security lane and to the boarding gate, ensuring a smooth process.
Currently, pets are not permitted in the cabins of inbound flights to Hong Kong; on return trips, they must be transported in the aircraft’s cargo hold.
Regan Wan, the project manager at Pet Holidays, described the service as offering a more affordable alternative to private jet travel or cargo shipping, which can cost between HK$100,000 and HK$200,000 for a round-trip.
“This service marks a significant step forward in pet-friendly travel, giving owners a more intimate and reassuring experience at a reasonable price,” Wan said.
Since its launch, the service has been highly popular, with over 100 inquiries daily and full bookings through mid-November.
Hong Kong Airlines’ pet-friendly initiative coincides with the city’s move toward a more inclusive environment for animals. Recently, the MTR Corporation introduced a trial scheme allowing passengers to bring pets on light rail trains, and KMB launched a pet-friendly public bus service in October last year.
According to Grand View Research, the pet travel services market in Asia-Pacific is projected to reach US$690.2 million by 2030, up from US$378.5 million last year, with an expected compound annual growth rate of 10.7% from 2025 to 2030.
Sun indicated that, given the smooth operation so far, the airline is considering expanding this service to more destinations with more flexible options, such as accommodating larger pets or allowing them to purchase additional seats.
“We’re exploring the possibility of extending the service to additional destinations and offering options like seats for bigger pets,” he said. “Once our current offerings are stable, we plan to introduce new features gradually.”
Sun also emphasized that the airline does not see its pet-in-cabin service as a niche but hopes other airlines will follow suit to promote a pet-friendly culture.
“Our main goal is to satisfy our customers with comprehensive services, and we hope they will recommend us to others through positive word-of-mouth,” he added.
Looking ahead, Sun disclosed plans to develop tailored services for families with toddlers, children, and seniors, aiming to improve overall comfort and convenience for passengers traveling with loved ones.
“When traveling with family, children and the elderly often require extra help,” he explained. “We hope our family-focused services will allow everyone to travel more comfortably and make the journey more enjoyable.”
Customer Yolly Chan, 60, who works in wholesale, shared her experience of using the pet-in-cabin service in March for her 12-year-old dog, Cobbie, en route to Tokyo.
“I travel to Japan about twice a year, and this service made it so much easier,” she said. “It saved me from the hassle and costs of transferring flights or hiring a private jet, which can cost over HK$100,000 round trip.”
Chan praised the service’s ease and comfort, noting that Cobbie remained peaceful and well-behaved, and fellow passengers even stopped to say hello.
“This service allows me to travel with my dog at a reasonable cost,” she added. “I hope they expand the number of pet seats in business class and extend services to destinations like Taiwan and South Korea—I would definitely recommend it to friends.”
Other international airlines have also introduced pet-in-cabin policies departing from Hong Kong, including Air France, which allows small dogs and cats (under 8kg).
