Newstrack

Cathay increases flight frequency, expands routes

Dragonair also to start daily flights to Bangalore

Beryl Menezes - Mumbai

Following recently granted air traffic rights between Hong Kong and India, Hong Kong-based carrier, Cathay Pacific joins other international carriers in competing for the best choice airline by Indian travellers. "For 25 years we have been flying to India, and this is the ideal time to increase the frequency of our flights from India, especially with the booming Indian economy and growing number of Indian flyers," said Tom Wright, general manager, India, Middle East, Africa and Pakistan, Cathay Pacific.

From March 30, three additional flights will be started from Mumbai and Delhi, along with Chennai being added as an additional new destination from June 1. All the full-service flights will be a daily service with an extended route to Dubai. By mid-June, the airline plans to have 23 daily flights flying out of India and on 28th October it plans to launch its first Mumbai-Hong Kong direct flight.

The new flights will have an increase of 6,000 seats, with a significant increase in cargo holdings as well. Apart from this, Cathay Pacific's sister airline, the regional full-service Dragonair will launch a daily flight between Hong Kong and Bangalore, starting May 1st, with a capacity of 90 seats in two classes, business and economy. The aircraft for this route will be Airbus A330-300s.

"With the current friendly relations between the government of India and China, and with the fast-approaching Commonwealth Games, these announcements have come at an excellent time. With our extensive network and years of quality service to the Indian market, we are more than ready to take on competition from other players," remarked Wright.

With its competitive pricing and increase in flight frequency, passengers will now have more options to choose from. "We are also planning to have introductory offers as well as special packages and promotions for the trade," remarked Rakesh Raicar, sales and marketing manager, India, Nepal and Bangladesh for Cathay Pacific.