Cathay Pacific has applied to open up a Hongkong-Moscow route, its first service to the Russian Federation.
The airline plans the service to begin some time during the summer. Cathay Pacific hopes to fly three times a week between the cities, using a two-class Airbus A340-300 aircraft.
Growing business links between the Russia and Asia, especially with Mainland China, were one of the key reasons given by Cathay Pacific chief executive Tony Tyler for the new route.
“Moscow has been on our radar screen for some time now. This planned addition to our network underlines Cathay Pacific’s commitment to develop new markets, and our ongoing work to strengthen Hongkong as one of the world’s leading international aviation hubs.
“We expect Moscow will develop quickly as a prime destination for business and leisure travellers from this part of the world,” he said.
“Our strong network will enable us to offer great connections for travellers from Moscow through the Hongkong hub to our Southeast Asian destinations and to Mainland China with our sister airline Dragonair. Travel demand between the two cities is showing substantial growth thanks in no small part to the visa-free access enjoyed by passport holders of the HKSAR and the Russian Federation,” Tyler said.
The Hongkong-based airline had made a previous attempt to open up the route but temporarily abandoned the attempt.
Currently, Cathay Pacific operates a code share with Russian flag-carrier Aeroflot on the route.
Kenny Coyle
