Greater Bay Airlines has launched charter flights between Hong Kong and the Maldives, with the airline’s inaugural service welcomed at Velana International Airport.

The airline’s first flight, HB2500, was received with a traditional water salute upon arrival. A total of 174 passengers arrived on the inaugural service.

The charter operations commenced on Sunday and will continue with daily flights until the 25th of this month. The services are timed to coincide with the peak travel period around the Chinese New Year.

Greater Bay Airlines is operating the route using a Boeing 737-800 aircraft.

With the launch of this service, Greater Bay Airlines becomes the second carrier to introduce direct air travel between Hong Kong and the Maldives.