Hong Kong based airline Cathay Pacific is to begin direct flights from its home city to Manchester, UK from December this year, the airline has announced on its website.
Starting on December 8, Cathay Pacific will operate the service four times per week, and tickets are now on sale.
The airline noted that Manchester is the third busiest airport in the UK after Heathrow and Gatwick based on passenger throughput figures, and has ‘high potential for further growth.’ It also described the city of Manchester as ‘a regional transport and business hub that is renowned for its architecture, culture, industrial heritage and sports clubs.’
Boeing 777-300ER aircraft will be used to operate the Manchester service, and will include the awarding-winning Business Class, Premium Economy Class and new Economy Class seats. The airline also says that passengers will have the benefit of a state-of-the-art inflight entertainment system in all classes.
Flights will depart from Hong Kong to Manchester every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, with Manchester departures on the same days.
Cathay Pacific chief executive, Ivan Chu, said: ‘We have a deep commitment to the UK market and currently operate five flights a day to London Heathrow. Business ties between the UK and Hong Kong are very strong and we have been seeing an ever-increasing demand for air travel to and from the Asia Pacific region for both business and leisure traffic.
‘By providing yet more flights to the UK, and the only non-stop direct service between Hong Kong and Manchester, Cathay Pacific will offer passengers even more choice and flexibility and, at the same time, continue to boost Hong Kong’s standing as an international aviation hub.’
