Hong Kong Airlines has launched its direct service to Los Angeles, with the inaugural flight taking off on December 18, 2017.

The new route follows the launch of a daily service to Vancouver earlier this year, with San Francisco and New York set to follow in 2018 as the airline steps up competition with fellow Hong Kong-based carrier Cathay Pacific.

“The launch of our new service to Los Angeles represents another step of our transition from a regional carrier to a global airline,” said Tang King Shing, vice chairman of Hong Kong Airlines.

“As a popular destination for both leisure and business travel, Los Angeles is also one of the most substantial economic engines within the United States. We are delighted to offer our customers more travel options for flights into Los Angeles.”

The LA service is operated by the 334-seat A350 and will fly four times a week initially, before increasing to a daily service from January.

Business Traveller Asia-Pacific was invited along for the inaugural flight HX068. Here are our first impressions of the flight and business class product.