Thursday, December 14, 2023
Christchurch Airport is gearing up for the highly anticipated resumption of direct flights between Christchurch and Hong Kong by Cathay Pacific.
The inaugural flight for the summer season is scheduled to arrive in the early afternoon on Saturday, December 16, marking the start of a thrice-weekly service that will run until February 29 next year.
Justin Watson, the Chief Executive of the airport, highlights that this marks the first seasonal service Cathay Pacific is reinstating to Christchurch post-pandemic.
“This marks a significant milestone in the history of the airline’s relationship with the airport. The inaugural seasonal service commenced in December 2017 and was suspended during the pandemic. Due to high demand following the announcement of its return, the airline upgraded to a larger aircraft,” he explains.
“Since the initiation of this service, over 64,000 passengers have traveled on 275 flights. The relaunch of the direct flights signifies South Islanders’ strong preference for flying with this airline, whether for visiting Hong Kong or as a stopover en route to other global destinations,” he adds.
“The airline boasts one of the most modern long-haul fleets in the air, featuring the state-of-the-art A350 on the Christchurch-Hong Kong route, which is 25% more fuel-efficient than other models.”
Frosti Lau, Cathay Pacific’s Regional General Manager, views the reinstatement of this seasonal service as a testament to the airline’s dedication to the region.
“Our first seasonal service post-pandemic demonstrates our commitment to the route, the people, and the businesses of the South Island. We anticipate that this service will provide a significant economic uplift to various sectors, including exports, tourism, and those looking to explore the world via Hong Kong and beyond. We guarantee an exceptional experience aboard Cathay Pacific flights,” Lau states.
Lau also extends gratitude to Cathay Pacific’s New Zealand partners.
“Since the commencement of this route in 2017, the support from Air New Zealand, Christchurch Airport, and Christchurch City Council has been pivotal in facilitating our return. We are excited for a long and productive partnership ahead,” he remarks.
Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong’s flagship carrier with over 76 years of history, operates flights to over 200 destinations in 52 countries, offering extensive global connectivity to South Islanders.
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
