More direct flights between Christchurch and Hong Kong

Good news for South Island travellers … strong demand has led to Cathay Pacific confirming a third summer season between Christchurch and Hong Kong – plus increasing to four flights per week during December-January-February.

The summer 2019 season will start earlier, on November 15, to offer 19 more flights and 49 per cent more seats than previous seasons.

Chief Aeronautical and Commercial Officer Justin Watson says the second Cathay Pacific season saw 14 percent more New Zealanders using the service.

“The direct service on the state-of-the-art A350 aircraft offers a super convenient way to get to Hong Kong, and also links to dozens of other destinations across Asia and Europe too,” he says.

“The second highest increase in travellers on the flights were those travelling on a United Kingdom passport and the third increase was from China.

“All of this added up to an eight percent increase, and a total of 48 countries, using the service, which has prompted the airline to respond to the obvious need.”

Mr Watson says as well as increasing numbers of passengers on the Christchurch-Hong Kong flights, South Island producers welcomed getting their produce to key markets quickly and effectively through what is the largest freight airport in the world.

“There is no doubt this summer service is a win-win for the South Island and underlines the fact that there is nowhere in the world people cannot get by making their first international flight out of Christchurch,” he says.

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