Marking three years since its inaugural flight from Manchester to Hong Kong in December 2014, Cathay Pacific is this week boosting its direct flights into a daily service.
Increasing from five flights per week, the announcement responds to customers’ growing demand and demonstrates the airline’s confidence in the Northern Powerhouse.
Talking about the increase in frequency, James Ginns, Cathay Pacific regional general manager, Europe, said: “Boosting our Manchester flights into a daily service highlights the popularity of the route and the global importance of the Northern Powerhouse.
“We are delighted to be part of the journey in forging further links between the North West, Asia and beyond.
“The Northern Powerhouse and Hong Kong share a parallel focus on science, innovation, technology and the arts; both dynamic cities are built on hard-working, business-savvy communities with a huge appetite for arts and culture.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank those living in the region who have helped to make the route such a success.”
Whether travelling for business or leisure, people in the north-west can enjoy a seamless connection via Hong Kong to over 190 other key destinations in Asia, Australia and New Zealand.
Those travelling from Manchester to Hong Kong can experience Cathay Pacific’s signature heartfelt service onboard its state-of-the-art Airbus A350 aircraft.
Stephen Turner, commercial director at Manchester Airport, added: “For Cathay Pacific to go daily from Manchester Airport is a clear indication of the need, and desire, from across our catchment area to access Hong Kong directly.
“The route provides easy access for leisure and business travellers, plus unlocks a host of economic opportunities for both destinations.
“We are delighted how popular the route has been in its three years of operation, and look forward to working with the airline as it grows from the UK’s global gateway in the North.”
As of December 2017, Cathay Pacific operates a total of 49 non-stop flights per week between the UK and Hong Kong, seeing Heathrow offering five flights daily, plus daily flights from Gatwick and Manchester.
From June 2018, Cathay Pacific will also be introducing a new four-times-weekly direct service from Dublin to Hong Kong.