Cathay Pacific to launch direct Abu Dhabi-Hong Kong flights

This week it was announced that Cathay Pacific Airways will be offering a new four-times-weekly service from Abu Dhabi to Hong Kong from the 2 June 2011.

Operated by wide-body Airbus A330 and A340 aircraft , the service will connect passengers from the UAE and other parts of the Middle East with Mainland China, the Philippines, Korea, Japan and Taiwan in Asia, and Australia and New Zealand in the Southwest Pacific region.

At a press conference announcing the launch, George Karamanos, vice president corporate marketing and communications, Abu Dhabi Airports Company, said: “The addition of Cathay Pacific flights connecting Hong Kong directly to Abu Dhabi provides local communities in both countries numerous opportunities for business, tourism and trade. Abu Dhabi International Airport is delighted to welcome Cathay Pacific in its airline family ahead of the peak travel season this summer, offering passengers seamless access to more destinations in China and across the Asia Pacific region.”

Dayne Lim, promotions director, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, commented: “Cathay Pacific’s service brings us much closer to the very important Chinese market with passengers from 17 destinations in Mainland China now having easy air access to Abu Dhabi through the network of Cathay Pacific’s sister airline, Dragonair. This is a network we wish to proactively leverage as we continue our plans to attract an increasing number of visitors from Mainland China.”

“As Hong Kong is one of the most dynamic economies in Asia, we look forward to witnessing the positive impact these direct flights will have on Abu Dhabi,” added Rashed Abdul Jalil Al Fahim, managing director of Al Fahim Group.