Cathay Pacific is coming back to Cairns this summer.
The return of Hong Kong’s home carrier for the second year in a row is being labelled a “major coup” and is considered a testament to the region’s revitalised relationship with the popular, full-service carrier.
Cathay Pacific will operate three direct flights per week between Hong Kong and Cairns from December 9 to February 28, centred around the peak Lunar New Year period and Christmas holidays.
Richard Barker, Cairns Airport Chief Executive Officer, said the renewed seasonal service would build on last year’s success.
“The Cathay Pacific brand is highly regarded across Tropical North Queensland and we are thrilled our strengthened partnership has led to further, ongoing opportunities that will benefit our wider community and key industries,” he said.
“This is a new era in our relationship with Cathay Pacific and a major coup for our region.
“We expect thousands of additional tourists will choose Tropical North Queensland for their festive holidays this year and to welcome the Year of the Horse.
“This service will inject an estimated $18 million into the economy in visitor expenditure alone and give locals more overseas leisure options as they plan their extended end-of-year leave.”
The service will deliver more than 20,000 seats across the season on the A330 aircraft.
Frosti Lau, Cathay Regional General Manager Southwest Pacific, said he was pleased to see the service return after a successful first season.
“Our Cairns seasonal service saw close to 16,000 customers travel between the two cities and beyond, including the UK, the Chinese Mainland and elsewhere in Asia.
“Bringing this service back will continue to encourage more tourism on both ends around Christmas and Lunar New Year.”
