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Cathay Pacific is set to return to its full pre-pandemic capacity across Brisbane and Perth Airports.
Starting 28 October, the airline will increase Perth-Hong Kong services from six to eleven per week and Brisbane-Hong Kong services from six to ten per week, with Sydney and Melbourne to retain their current four and three flights per day respectively.
The Cathay Group, which includes low-cost subsidiary HK Express, is aiming to return to 100 per cent of global pre-COVID capacity across its passenger network in the first quarter of 2025, and says it has reached 80 per cent as of the second quarter of this year.
“This is testament to our team who have been continuing to provide world-class service as we rebuild our flights and network. These new flights will give our Australian customers more choice when travelling to Hong Kong and beyond,” said Frosti Lau, southwest Pacific regional general manager at Cathay Pacific.
“This announcement is equally important for our cargo business as we grow our freight capacity. The updated schedule will see new opportunities available for businesses in Brisbane and Perth across the likes of fresh produce, pharma, speciality items and more.”
Cathay’s ramp-up of Brisbane flights is expected to bring an extra 32,384 seats into Queensland, said Ryan Both, executive general manager aviation at Brisbane Airport.
“This expansion underscores the strategic significance of Hong Kong as a key gateway for both passengers and freight,” he said.
“These additional flights will bring more international tourists to Queensland and carry more of our state’s high value exports to Hong Kong’s extensive cargo hub, which connects to the Asia-Pacific, Europe, and North America.
“Make no mistake, this boosts jobs in tourism regions across Queensland and strengthens the state’s economy.”
Cathay Pacific resumed daily Perth flights in February, though one of these services was later dropped. Perth Airport’s chief commercial and aviation officer, Kate Holsgrove, said Cathay’s fresh expansion “shows the confidence that the international aviation market has in Perth as a destination”.
“Business travellers, students, tourists, and those visiting family and friends are key focus sectors between Perth and Hong Kong,” she said.
“The new services provide 140,000 seats annually to the Perth inbound and outbound market and provide local exporters with crucial cargo capacity between Perth and Hong Kong and North Asia.
“Cathay Pacific has excellent connections to over 200 destinations worldwide including Asia, Europe and North America offering Western Australians access to a range of travel destinations.”
