HK Express is pleased to welcome its highly anticipated Udon livery, which was unveiled today. Painted on both sides with features of Kagawa Prefecture and Takamatsu, the aircraft is aptly named “Sanuki Udon”. The first flight sporting the new Udon design was UO1522, departing from Hong Kong to Takamatsu this morning.

The Sanuki Udon livery was designed by LIFT Strategic Design. Together with the word “OISHII”, meaning “delicious” in Japanese, the eye-catching livery features a pair of chopsticks holding Sanuki Udon noodles — a regional staple in Kagawa Prefecture. On the opposite side of the aircraft, Guests will see an image of historic Ritsurin Garden, located in the city of Takamatsu, features the phrase “KIREI” which means “beautiful” in Japanese.

“We are excited to showcase this playful design and raise more awareness about Kagawa

Prefecture, a lesser-known but incredibly beautiful region of Japan with a rich culinary history,” said Andrew Cowen, Director and CEO of HK Express. “We have no doubt that this udon livery on our aptly named Sanuki Udon aircraft will stand out on the tarmac as an icon in both Hong Kong and Japan.”

HK Express developed the special Udon livery in collaboration with Kagawa Prefecture. It's the second step of a promising partnership, which began with the naming of Sanuki Udon aircraft together with the Takamatsu (TAK) route launch on 6 July 2016. One of HK Express’ most popular destinations, demand continues to skyrocket. During the month of December 2016, the load factor of the Takamatsu route was 85%. HK Express currently operates 4 flights per week to the destination on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

“I'm extremely delighted to celebrate the inauguration of this Special Livery Aircraft. This unique livery has been specially painted with Kagawa's famous cuisine, Sanuki Udon and the beautiful Ritsurin Garden. With HK Express’ vast network, I look forward to more people learning about Kagawa Prefecture,” said Keizo Hamada, the Governor of Kagawa Prefecture.

Simon Wu, HK Express Director of Operations, and Yasumasa Shimizu, Senior Director of Japan National Tourism Organizations celebrated the livery debut with the aircraft’s first passengers at the boarding gate. Representatives were on hand to take photos with Guests. To share the happiness, Guests also received authentic Sanuki Udon from Kagawa Prefecture.

Meanwhile, Kagawa Prefecture hosted an unveiling event on the rooftop of Takamatsu Airport. Together with HK Express Commercial Director Luke Lovegrove, many senior representatives from the region were in attendance, including the Governor of Kagawa Prefecture, Keizo Hamada, and Mayor of Takamatsu City, Hideto Onishi, the Chairperson of Kagawa Prefecture Tourism Association and the Chairman of Kagawa Prefectural Assembly Tourism Federation.

The celebration begins with a new route promotion! Travellers can enjoy HKD78* flights from Hong Kong to Takamatsu for 2 days only, starting on 14 January, with the travel period running from 29 January to 31 March 2017.

* The offer does not include taxes or fees and other government imposed taxes and charges and is subject to availability.

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Image - Photo caption：Simon Wu, HK Express Director of Operations, and Yasumasa Shimizu, Senior Director of Japan National Tourism Organizations celebrated the livery debut with the aircraft’s first passengers at the boarding gate. To share the happiness, Guests also received authentic Sanuki Udon from Kagawa Prefecture.

Image - Photo caption: Together with HK Express Commercial Director Luke Lovegrove, many senior representatives from the region were in attendance of the unveiling event on the rooftop of Takamatsu Airport, including the Governor of Kagawa Prefecture, Keizo Hamada, and Mayor of Takamatsu City, Hideto Onishi, the Chairperson of Kagawa Prefecture Tourism Association and the Chairman of Kagawa Prefectural Assembly Tourism Federation.

Image - Photo caption: The Sanuki Udon aircraft is painted with a pair of chopsticks holding a Sanuki Udon noodle.

Image - Photo caption: Another side of the Sanuki Udon aircraft features the historic Ritsurin Garden in Takamatsu.