Hong Kong Airlines, an internationally acclaimed Skytrax four-star, full-service airline firmly rooted in Hong Kong, announced today its partnership with the Hong Kong Jockey Club to present the Hong Kong Airlines Million Challenge for the next three racing seasons.
The Hong Kong Airlines Million Challenge comprises all Class 3 races or above contested at the iconic Happy Valley Racecourse from September through mid-February. The 2017/18 Hong Kong Airlines Million Challenge runs from 6 September 2017 through 21 February 2018 with the winning horse of each race in the series earning 15 points towards the overall standings. The second, third and fourth placed horses earn six, four and three points, respectively. At the conclusion of the competition, a total bonus of HK$1,000,000 will be awarded to the owners of the three horses with the highest accumulated points over the course of the series.
As a local carrier that grows with its home city, Hong Kong Airlines is delighted to engage with the local community by working with organisations which share common values. Both Hong Kong Airlines and the Hong Kong Jockey Club have strong commitments to community service, which brought them together in a three-year partnership in the Hong Kong Airlines Million Challenge.
Mr. Tang King Shing, Vice Chairman of Hong Kong Airlines, said: “We are honored to be the title sponsor of the Hong Kong Airlines Million Challenge for the coming three years. Hong Kong Airlines and the Hong Kong Jockey Club are both active in community contribution. We share the same values – ‘passion for service’ and ‘delivering more.’ Hong Kong Airlines is always dedicated to caring for the young generation and nurturing young aviation talent. We are keen to engage in the partnership with the Hong Kong Jockey Club to foster community development and look forward to a successful cooperation.”
Mr. Anthony Kelly, the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s Executive Director of Racing Business and Operations, said: “We are delighted to welcome Hong Kong Airlines as the title sponsor of the Hong Kong Airlines Million Challenge. Happy Valley Racecourse is not just an iconic location in our city, enjoyed by our owners, members and racing fans, but is recognized globally as a truly unique venue for sport and entertainment. There is a great synergy between our target audiences and we believe this partnership will only enhance further the festive atmosphere at Happy Wednesday.”
About Hong Kong Airlines
Established in 2006, Hong Kong Airlines is a full-service airline firmly rooted in Hong Kong. It has grown remarkably in just ten years with a wide destination network covering over 30 major cities across the Asia Pacific region, including Gold Coast, Auckland, Beijing, Shanghai, Taipei, Tokyo, Sapporo, Seoul, Bangkok, Bali and Okinawa, and extending its reach to North America in 2017 with the launch of its Vancouver route. The company has also signed agreements with 17 codeshare and 76 interline partners respectively. The current operating fleet is made up of 33 Airbus aircraft, consisting of 29 passenger aircraft and 4 freighters. With an average age of around 5.0 years, Hong Kong Airlines operates one of the youngest fleets in the world. Hong Kong Airlines has been awarded the internationally acclaimed four-star rating from Skytrax since 2011. It was also a winner for Asia’s Leading Inflight Service at the World Travel Awards 2015.
About The Hong Kong Jockey Club
Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is a world-class racing club that acts continuously for the betterment of our society. The Club has a unique integrated business model, comprising racing and racecourse entertainment, a membership club, responsible sports wagering and lottery, and charity and community contribution. Through this model, the Club generates economic and social value for the community and supports the Government in combatting illegal gambling. In 2015/16, the Club donated a record HK$3.9 billion to charity and paid a record HK$20.9 billion in tax. It is Hong Kong’s largest single tax payer, one of the city’s major employers and one of the world’s top ten charity donors. The Club is always “riding high together for a better future” with the people of Hong Kong.
