Hong Kong comes to LAX: Delta celebrates new Pacific connection | News

For one evening, a little piece of Hong Kong arrived in Los Angeles.

Before customers boarded Delta’s first flight to Hong Kong, they were treated to a taste of the destination itself. Chef-curated dishes inspired by Cantonese cuisine, destination-themed experiences and special commemorative gifts turned the departure into more than just a flight launch.

It was the start of Delta’s newest Pacific connection. At LAX, customers were able to experience the flavors, culture and energy that make Hong Kong one of Asia’s most dynamic destinations.
Special activations with acclaimed Hong Kong-born chef Jereme Leung brought a taste of the city to life in the Delta One Lounge and Delta Sky Club, while customers received custom city guides and exclusive ‘Love HKG’ tote bags designed for the inaugural flight.

At the gate, a ribbon-cutting ceremony and remarks marked the official start of daily nonstop service between Los Angeles and Hong Kong.

A flight with personal meaning
The inauguration had special meaning for Delta A350 First Officer Victor Ngai, a Hong Kong resident who welcomed customers on board before departure.

His journey reflected the spirit behind the route itself: connecting people to the places that matter most.

“This flight is incredibly personal for me. Growing up in Hong Kong, I watched planes take off and land from the old Kai Tak Airport, near my primary school, which sparked my passion for aviation at a young age,” said Victor. “To now serve as First Officer on Delta’s first flight from Los Angeles back to my hometown is a full-circle moment. I am extremely proud to be part of the crew launching this route, reconnecting two cities that mean so much to me and helping customers experience the journey with Delta in a meaningful way.”

Behind the scenes, teams from Airport Customer Service, Flight Operations, In-Flight Service, TechOps, Network Planning, Cargo, Revenue Management and Global Sales, and more, worked tirelessly to make the route a reality.

Welcomed across the Pacific Ocean
When the plane arrived in Hong Kong, Delta’s newest international service was greeted with a water cannon salute.

Airport officials, tourism partners, local media and Delta representatives gathered to celebrate the arrival and start of a new nonstop service between Los Angeles and Hong Kong.
Today, Delta is the largest global airline at LAX, with more than 160 peak-day departures to 61 destinations. Hong Kong joins recent additions including Melbourne and the return of Shanghai, further strengthening Delta’s Pacific network and expanding options for customers traveling across Asia.

When the first flight left Los Angeles and landed in Hong Kong, it meant more than just the launch of a new route. It represented the countless Delta people, partners and communities who helped make the connection possible.

And for the customers on board, this marked the start of their next adventure.