Cathay Pacific schedule back to full strength in September

Cathay Pacific Airways today announced that it will by late September operate a full flight schedule as well as enhanced services to London, and later Auckland, Melbourne and Rome as the airline continues with efforts to rebuild Hong Kong's tourism industry and enhance its position as one of Asia's leading aviation hubs.

The airline restored a full schedule in just three months after being forced to cut services by almost half. About 70 percent of services were reinstated in July and 90 percent in August. Passenger demand has also rebounded sharply, aided by the peak summer travel season and airline initiatives to draw customers back. Among them, discounted 'Early Bird' fares, 'Visit Hong Kong Now' holiday packages and the multiple-ticket 'World Pass' promotion.

Cathay Pacific has also enhanced its service to London to three times daily and the number of flights to Auckland will rise from 10 to 12 a week, Melbourne will go from 11 to 13 flights a week and Rome from four to five services a week, all from the start of the winter season on 26 October.

Cathay Pacific Director and Chief Operating Officer Philip Chen said: "As Hong Kong's airline we have always worked to maintain the integrity of our network and keep Hong Kong connected to the world even during the SARS crisis. Looking forward, we will continue to develop both our passenger and cargo services to support the rebuilding of our tourism industry and enhance Hong Kong's position as Asia's leading aviation hub."