Cathay Pacific and MIAT Mongolian Airlines are looking to improve links between the Mongolian capital Ulaanbaatar, and Southeast Asia and Australia, with a new codeshare agreement between the two carriers set to kick off from July 12 this year.
Under the arrangement, Cathay Pacific’s CX code will feature on MIAT’s four-times-weekly service between Hong Kong and Ulaanbaatar, which it launched back in 2012, while MIAT’s OM code will appear on Cathay’s flights between Hong Kong and Singapore, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. Cathay Pacific deploys its A350 on flights to Melbourne and Brisbane, with Perth set to join in October this year.
The codeshare provides Cathay with a new, growing market that it can feed travellers into via its Hong Kong hub. Speaking about the agreement, Cathay Pacific’s chief customer and commercial officer, Paul Loo, said: “Mongolia is an attractive destination in that it appeals to both tourists and business travellers alike thanks to its pristine natural landscapes, rich culture and rapid development. Ulaanbaatar is quickly making a name for itself as an important business hub, one which we expect to grow on the back of this new agreement.”
MIAT, meanwhile, will now get improved access to two key markets in Asia-Pacific, and travellers on these codeshare services will have their luggage through-checked in Hong Kong. Eligible MIAT customers will also be able to make use of Cathay Pacific’s Terminal 1 lounges at Hong Kong International Airport.
“This is a winning step for both airlines and will provide our passengers with convenient access to Singapore and Australia via the super hub in Hong Kong,” said MIAT president and CEO, Tamir Tumurbaatar. “The codeshare and interline agreement brings advantages for the passengers of both MIAT Mongolian Airlines and Cathay Pacific because our route networks complement each other perfectly. This cooperation is very significant for our landlocked country’s national flag carrier.”
These new codeshare flights are currently available for booking.
