HK Express raised utilisation 'to maximise utilisation to secure slots and reduce CASK'

HK Express CEO Andrew Cowen, speaking at the CAPA Airline Fleet & Finance Summit 2016, said (04-Mar-2016) the carrier has "steadily built our utilisation up to maximise utilisation to secure slots and reduce CASK." Mr Cowen noted utilisation is currently between 13 and 14 block hours per aircraft per day, "and this is one of the most fundamental drivers of unit cost reduction." Mr Cowen added: "It's very easy to go out and procure planes, its harder to make sure they're well utilised so that's a priority."