What
Cathay Pacific recently announced it will launch nonstop flights from Seattle to Hong Kong, marking the first direct service between the two cities. The new route will have scheduled departures from Seattle four times per week (on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday) beginning in April 2019.
Why It Matters
Cathay Pacific executives say the new route will connect Hong Kong with tech hubs across the world. Plus, the flight from Seattle is designed to make connecting to other destinations in Asia easier. Travel agents should benefit from this new option — particularly if they have tech-industry clients mixing business and pleasure in Asia.
Fast Facts
- CX 857 will depart Seattle on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday mornings at 1:05 a.m., arriving in Hong Kong the following day at 5:25 a.m. The return flight, CX 858, will depart Hong Kong at 11:55 p.m. on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, arriving in Seattle at 9:00 p.m. on the same day.
- The new route will be operated by the airline’s Airbus A350-900 aircraft.
- Seattle will be the Cathay Pacific’s eighth passenger gateway in the United States, and its 10th in North America.
What They Are Saying
“We are very pleased to be introducing Seattle and to provide more convenience and choice to our customers,” said Rupert Hogg, chief executive officer for Cathay Pacific. “There are strong business, trade and cultural ties between Hong Kong and Seattle and we believe there will be considerable demand for both business and leisure travel on this new route.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Cathay Pacific, a well-known name that many of our travelers have wanted to see at Sea-Tac Airport,” said Stephanie Bowman, commissioner of the Port of Seattle. “As the airport serving a dynamic and globally-savvy region, Sea-Tac Airport is proud to expand our international offerings.”
The Details
Cathay Pacific
www.cathaypacific.com