Can this new Sydney-Hong Kong flight really rival Qantas and Cathay Pacific?

Launched in June, the new Hong Kong Airlines service from Sydney is the first serious threat in years to the dominance of Qantas and Cathay Pacific on this popular route. I'm taking this A330-300 in economy to see how the full-service airline compares.

CHECKING IN: There's a slow line for check-in at Sydney Airport. Because I didn't pay to choose a seat in advance, only middle seats are left (thankfully someone asks to swap on board to sit with their family). The included luggage allowance is two pieces up to 23kg each. For business class and frequent flyers, there's access to The House lounge in Sydney.

THE FLIGHT: The schedule for this flight is very convenient, taking off at 11.20am and arriving in time for dinner at 7.10pm - although we land about 40 minutes late. The A330-300 is spacious but all 260 seats in economy are occupied so it feels busy.

THE CLASS: The economy seats have a pitch of 32 inches and width of 17.2 inches, the same as other airlines on this route, while the 2-4-2 layout means couples can sit together comfortably. Although the design is a bit dated, with no footrest or individual air vent, there's a USB socket under the screen and shared power points.

FOOD & DRINKS: A meal is served an hour after take-off. Options are stir-fried chicken or beef goulash, served with a prawn starter and lemon dessert. I'm only offered soft drinks but later notice other passengers drinking alcohol. I get a glass of wine when I ask for one. There are no snacks available but a flight attendant kindly gives me a leftover meal when I'm hungry mid-flight. With another service before landing, I choose chicken noodles.

ENTERTAINMENT: This is where Hong Kong Airlines really fails against its competition. The movie selection is so light that only four of the English-language options were released in the past decade. The foreign-language collection isn't any better and there's no Wi-Fi. Even the flight map doesn't work.