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Cathay Pacific launches direct flights between Hong Kong and Riyadh

Policy

Ronald Lam Chief Executive Officer | Cathay Pacific

By Sky Industry News

Oct 31, 2024

Cathay Pacific has launched a new direct passenger flight service connecting Hong Kong and Riyadh, marking a significant expansion in the airline's network. The service began on October 28, 2024, aiming to facilitate travel between Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia's capital. This new route is expected to enhance trade, business, and cultural connections within the Belt and Road Initiative framework.

The launch was celebrated with a ceremony at Hong Kong International Airport, attended by key figures such as Cathay Group Chair Patrick Healy and Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Lavinia Lau. Paul Chan Mo-po, Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong SAR Government, led a delegation of over 100 leaders from various sectors to Riyadh for the occasion. Other notable attendees included Hamad Aljebreen, Consul General of Saudi Arabia in Hong Kong; Jeffrey Lam from the Executive Council; Vivian Cheung from Airport Authority Hong Kong; Laurence Li from the Financial Services Development Council; and Nicholas Ho, Commissioner for Belt and Road.

Paul Chan Mo-po commented on the importance of this development: “The relaunched Cathay service symbolises the growing ties between Hong Kong and Riyadh." He emphasized that it would strengthen business and cultural exchanges aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

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Patrick Healy highlighted Cathay Pacific's commitment to global connectivity: “The inauguration of our Hong Kong-Riyadh route is another testament to Cathay’s commitment to strengthening Hong Kong’s global connectivity as an international aviation hub."

Upon arrival in Riyadh on the inaugural flight, Lavinia Lau was welcomed by Abdulaziz Al-Asaker from Riyadh Airports Company. A subsequent reception at The St. Regis Riyadh featured over 100 guests including Rashed Alshammari from the Saudi Air Connectivity Program and Abdullah Alhagbani from the Saudi Tourism Authority.

Lavinia Lau expressed enthusiasm about this venture: “This is truly an exciting occasion for all of us at Cathay Pacific... We can’t wait to see how our new flights will spark more trade and cultural exchanges between our two vibrant cities.”

The thrice-weekly flights operate using Airbus A350-900 aircraft offering Business, Premium Economy, and Economy classes. In addition to these services, Cathay Pacific also runs daily flights between Hong Kong and Dubai.

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Organizations Included in this History

Cathay Pacific

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