HK Express Awarded 7-Star PLUS Safety Rating by 
AirlineRatings 

World’s first low-cost carrier to receive this distinguished safety rating accolade 

Hong Kong, 31 October 2025      HK Express Airways (HK Express) has been awarded the 7-Star PLUS Safety Rating by AirlineRatings, the global airline safety and product rating organisation. This is the highest distinction in AirlineRatings’ internationally recognised safety ranking system, and HK Express is the first low-cost carrier to receive this recognition.

Jeanette Mao, CEO of HK Express, said: “Safety is the foundation of HK Express’ strategy and operations. As the first low-cost carrier to earn AirlineRatings’ 7-star PLUS recognition, we see this as validation of our safety culture and our relentless pursuit of operational excellence, enabling reliable and affordable air travel at scale. We are deeply honoured to receive this rating, a testament to the devotion and professionalism of our team – across frontline and corporate teams – in upholding the highest operational standards.”

“Achieving the 7-Star PLUS rating, after 12 years of maintaining a 7-Star safety rating since 2013, underscores our unwavering commitment to continuous improvement. We will continue to deliver safe, reliable, and affordable air services to our customers and will never simply rest on our laurels.”

CEO of AirlineRatings.com, Sharon Petersen, said: “Already named the World’s Safest Low-Cost Airline for 2025, HK Express’s 7-Star PLUS rating proves that low-cost doesn’t mean low-quality. Our rigorous 70-point safety audit is identical for all airlines, and today’s result reinforces that safety excellence is not defined by ticket price. We applaud HK Express for setting a new benchmark in low cost airline safety leadership.”

AirlineRatings’ 7-Star PLUS rating is conferred following six anonymous onboard audits across a representative mix of flights, assessing performance against 70 measurable criteria. To be eligible, an airline must first hold a 7-Star safety rating, determined by IOSA (IATA Operational Safety Audit) participation, audits by relevant authorities, and the airline’s safety and incident history. Audits are conducted independently by AirlineRatings to reflect real-world passenger experiences.

In addition to attaining the 7-Star PLUS rating, HK Express has been named the World’s Safest Low-Cost Airline and ranked among the top five of the World’s Best Low-Cost Airline earlier this year. HK Express currently operates a young and fuel-efficient Airbus narrowbody fleet with an average fleet age of under eight years. Built to enhanced specifications and equipped with advanced technology, our aircraft further improve flight reliability and passenger comfort.