Name: George Liu
Title: Chief marketing officer
Company, city: Hong Kong Airlines, Hong Kong
Number of employees: 3,500 worldwide and 12 in the United States, with more to come as we expand
Recent project: Hong Kong Airlines launched its first continental U.S. destination at LAX in December, followed by SFO in March. We welcomed our first Airbus A350 Sept. 1 and opened a state-of-the-art VIP lounge at HKG.
First job: I was a journalist for eight years, then moved into public relations and marketing.
Little-known fact about you: I dress to express myself. As a marketing executive I have the freedom to be creative, and I like to incorporate my personality and that of the brand into my daily uniform.
Your Business
What innovations/initiatives do you foresee in the industry over the next years? Improving passenger experience is a must, from manufacturing to tech and long-haul capabilities. We will improve our front-end experience with conveniences like facial recognition check-in, baggage tracking and an updated mobile experience.
Best career advice you’ve received: Years ago, it was to stay current. That changed to: Stay in the future.
What advice would you give someone starting out in the field? Always put yourself in your customers’ shoes. Branding is behaved; live the brand and promise to deliver.
George Liu as a Traveler
Favorite travel memory or story: On a recent trip with colleagues, traffic delayed us on the way to JFK. I used my TSA PreCheck while my colleagues got held up in the regular security line. I told the aircraft crew my team was running behind, but they had to close the doors after waiting as long as possible. The captain came out to say they called the control tower but just couldn’t make it work and apologized. My team did not make the flight, but the crew showed such kindness and humanity, the experience stuck with me.
One travel tip you cannot live without: I follow a packing checklist so I have all my extra conveniences to enjoy my trip.
Best advice for business travelers: Let your boss or team know what you are up to during your trip. If you stay ahead of communication, you’re always in the clear.
About Hong Kong Airlines
What can premium travelers expect from a flight with Hong Kong Airlines?
Our truly Hong Kong brand is rooted in dedication to service and delivering more to customers for less. Offering a dramatically different in-flight experience, from the unique flight crew to Above & Beyond services, the airline embodies “Where Hong Kong Begins.” Premium travelers can expect friendly, genuine service in their native language, authentic and delicious food and a comfortable and luxurious flight. We are also committed to providing reliable, on-time service.
Tell our readers about the U.S. launch. What more can we look forward to from Hong Kong Airlines in 2018?
Hong Kong Airlines was excited about the Dec. 18 launch of non-stop flights from LAX. By strengthening the connection between North America and our Asia Pacific destinations, we provide more options for American business, leisure, academic and family travelers.
That day also marked our first A350 landing at LAX. We will introduce 21 A350 aircraft into the fleet, featuring a wide-body cabin with 33 seats in business class and 301 in economy. The business-class seats measure 23 inches wide and lie completely horizontal [when] fully reclined. This, together with specially designed soft bedding, ensures passengers enjoy the highest quality of sleep in the air. The new San Francisco route is also serviced by our new A350s.
In an effort to become a global brand, Hong Kong Airlines will expand with additional U.S. and European destinations, launching in New York and London in 2018. We’ll continue our efforts to fly higher and farther and share Hong Kong Airlines’ service around the world.
Tell us more about the airline’s green initiatives.
Our all-Airbus fleet adopts new designs equipped with highly efficient engines. We operate one of the youngest fleets in the world, contributing to better fuel consumption. Our cabin crew combines efforts to reduce waste from in-flight operations. We have an onboard recycling program and encourage green travel. Our free bicycle baggage allowance applies to passengers flying to/from Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan, Japan and Hainan.
Read This Next
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Mar 29, 2024A Guide to Female Solo Travel in Saudi Arabia
Traveling alone as a woman can be daunting no matter where in the world. Keeping certain tips and information in mind at all times is essential, but it shouldn’t detract from you having a good time. Saudi Arabia might not come to mind as one of the first countries safe for female travelers, but the country continues to rise in popularity for solo travel among women.
Sponsored Content
The Argosaronic Islands Are Calling
The Saronic or Argo Saronic Islands of Greece call travelers to explore its seven small islands and islets brimming with history, natural sites and more. With most easily accessible by boat, the islands’ proximity to ports of Athens make the Saronic Islands an ideal destination for those preferring shorter boat rides. In fact, trips from Athens ports to the islands take only between 10 minutes and two hours, depending on the island you choose, making them perfect for day or weekend trips. From Piraeus port, you can access Hydra, Spetses, Aegina and Poros directly. Come explore these stunning islands with us and find the inspiration to plan your next trip to these islands. Hydra Hydra town curves around a slope overlooking the Argosaronic Gulf like an amphitheater and is considered one of the most romantic destinations in Greece. Most unique to the island is its lack of vehicles. People on the island get around on mules and donkeys as well as water taxis, making for a peaceful and laid-back day. Hydra lies a two-hour ferry ride from Piraeus port in Athens.
Daily
Mar 28, 2024New Adriatic Yacht Cruise and Tour Itineraries Unveiled for 2025
Set sail through crystal-clear waters and explore ports, islands and more on three new yacht cruise and tour itineraries in the Adriatic Sea from Riviera River Cruises. New 2025 itineraries combine yacht cruises with onboard accommodations and land extensions with hotel stays in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Itineraries also include tours of charming coastal towns and stops in national parks and swimming hole locations.
March 2024
Mar 28, 2024Cruise Lines Elevate the Onboard Fine-Dining Experience
It’s been a long time since the food on cruise ships resembled the bland, uninspired fare that gave onboard dining a bad name. These days, cruise passengers can look forward to menus created by Michelin-starred chefs made with top-quality ingredients served in stunning spaces. Choices abound as well. In addition to elegant main dining rooms, cruise ships have created a huge array of specialty restaurants that focus not only on perfectly executed traditional European and North American dishes but flavors and experiences from around the globe as well. In fact, meals served aboard cruise vessels have gotten so good, they’re drawing passengers onto ships: According to a recent report by luxury travel planning network Virtuoso, advisors report after Europe (specifically Italy and France), the No. 2 dining destination for travelers is aboard an ocean or river cruise. “This shows how cruise lines have really stepped up their culinary game, with consulting chefs and new restaurants and making that a focal point,” said Misty Belles, vice president, Global Public Relations, Virtuoso.
Sponsored Content
Why Buy Annual Travel Insurance?
One affordable plan can protect an entire year of trips: business or pleasure, short or long, domestic or international.
Daily
Mar 28, 2024Athens’ National Museum of Contemporary Art Opens What if Women Ruled the World? Exhibition
National Museum of Contemporary Art Athens was founded in 1997 and is supervised and subsidized by the Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports. The museum began its operation in 2000, when it acquired the first artwork of its collection and the first temporary exhibition took place.
Hotel Indigo La Paz Puerta Cortés Review
eFlyer Reviews
Mar 27, 2024Japan Airlines Purchases 32 Airbus, 10 Boeing
eFlyer News
Mar 27, 2024eFlyer News
Mar 27, 2024Royal Caribbean Cancels Cruise Ship Visits to Labadee, Haiti
Royal Caribbean International cancels additional visits to Labadee, the cruise line’s private destination in Haiti, for the next few weeks. The cruise line suspended visits to the destination in early March and decided to continue the suspension on March 22 due to unrest in the country.
Sponsored Content
Experience Luxury and Tranquility at Hamad International Airport’s Hotel
Known as one of the best airports in the world and voted Best Airport in the Middle East by Global Traveler readers, Hamad International Airport aims to set new standards for the airport industry that exceed the expectations of travelers through its facility.
eFlyer News
Mar 27, 2024China Airlines Expands North American Network with Non-Stop Flights to Seattle
China Airlines will begin offering non-stop flights to Seattle (SEA) from Taipei (TPE) starting July 14. The new route expands the carrier’s passenger services to the northwestern United States by offering five weekly flights via the Airbus A350-900.
ShareThis