Seven planes of cash-strapped Hong Kong Airline impounded for non-payment
Cash-strapped carrier Hong Kong Airlines has had seven idle planes impounded at the city’s airport after it failed to make payments, authorities said Tuesday, with the firm hit by a plunge in tourist numbers caused by long-running protests.
The Airport Authority announced the seized planes under an ordinance that addresses overdue charges.
“The Airport Authority understands that the detained aircraft have not been operated for passenger service in recent months,” a spokesman said.
The rule allows the city’s air regulators to impound planes for non-payment of charges and that aircraft can be sold after 60 days if the account is not settled.
