Cathay Pacific will be getting new connections to Almaty and Astana in Kazakhstan later this month, following the launch of a new codeshare agreement with Kazakh national carrier, Air Astana.
The agreement, which comes into effect on March 15, 2018 will enable Cathay Pacific to place its CX code on Air Astana’s services between Hong Kong and Almaty – its major hub – as well as onward services to the Kazakh capital, Astana.
Air Astana is upping its current twice-weekly service to and from Hong Kong, which flies on Tuesdays and Fridays, to thrice weekly on March 25 this year.
Air Astana’s five-times-weekly flights between Bangkok and Almaty, which are set to go daily also starting March 25 this year, will also carry the CX code as will the airline’s four weekly flights between Seoul and Almaty.
Meanwhile, Kazakhstan’s flag carrier will place its KC code on select Cathay Pacific services between Hong Kong and Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Singapore.
“With its vibrant economy, which is set to grow as a result of its integral role in the Belt and Road Initiative, and beautiful natural landscapes, Kazakhstan has many attractions for both business and leisure travellers alike,” said Ronald Lam, Cathay Pacific’s director of commercial and cargo.
Air Astana has been expanding its operations recently, particularly through its Astana hub, where the airline increased flight frequency on a number of its international services in the lead up to the Astana World Expo 2017, which the city hosted from June to September last year.
Business Traveller reviewed Air Astana’s business class on board its Airbus A320 aircraft flying from Tbilisi in Georgia to Almaty.
