Cathay Pacific is once again increasing the frequency on its Hong Kong-Adelaide service, with the number of flights set to go from five per week to six starting October 28, 2018.

The Adelaide service will operate via a split schedule, with two different departure and arrival times for Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, and Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. According to the airline, this set up will allow for greater flexibility for passengers.

Rodney Harrex, CEO of the South Australian Tourism Commission, agreed saying: “The new schedule will make it easier for our key markets in Europe, North America, China and Asia to reach Adelaide and improved connection times in Hong Kong will make travel to Adelaide considerably easier for these markets.”

Flight No. From To Departs Arrives Days
CX173 Hong Kong (HKG) Adelaide (ADL) 0020 1135 Wed, Fri, Sun
CX175 0915 2030 Tue, Thu, Sat
CX174 Adelaide (ADL) Hong Kong (HKG) 1415 2030 Wed, Fri, Sun
CX176 2215 0500+1 Tue, Thu, Sat

As with the airline’s current flights to the South Australia capital, the additional weekly flight will be operated by the airline’s three-class Airbus A330-300 aircraft, offering 39 seats in business class, 21 in premium economy and 191 in economy.

Business Traveller has previously reviewed Cathay Pacific’s business class and premium economy class aboard its A330-300s.

The flight frequency expansion on Cathay Pacific’s Adelaide route comes as the airline attempts to return to profitability following its first back-to-back annual loss in its 71-year-long history, owing to increased competition particularly from carriers in China and the Middle East. Back in December 2016, Guangzhou-based China Southern began flying three times a week to Adelaide.

However, the Adelaide route appears to remain popular, and profitable, for Hong Kong’s flag carrier. “We are delighted to be offering more services to cater for the growing demand on this popular route from Adelaide to Hong Kong and beyond,” said Rakesh Raicar, general manager of Southwest Pacific at Cathay Pacific.

The carrier previously increased frequency on the Adelaide route in July last year, adding a fifth weekly flight to the service.

cathaypacific.com