On 2 July this year, a new four-times- weekly service will be launched to Barcelona, Spain. The route is seasonal and will operate through the peak travel months until 27 October (subject to government approvals), using an Airbus A350-900. It complements Cathay Pacific’s Madrid service, which also operates four times a week. Barcelona is an important business and logistics hub. 

Also coming on line this year is Christchurch, New Zealand. Operating from 1 December using the Airbus A350, the seasonal service directly links Hong Kong and the South Island city for the first time, and will run during the southern hemisphere summer until 28 February 2018 (subject to government approvals). 

In addition to being the entry point to the South Island’s natural beauty and all its many attractions, the port plays an important role as a hub for the region’s crucial agriculture and fisheries industry.

‘This is great news and something we have been talking about for a while now,’ said country manager for New Zealand & Pacific Islands Mark Pirihi. ‘The route will be supported by cargo from the South Island, in particular seafood and, at the time of year the flight operates, cherries.’

Barcelona and Christchurch are the latest of several recent additions to Cathay Pacific’s network following from London Gatwick and Tel Aviv. In frequency news, the airline will be operating additional flights to Toronto, Vancouver and other key destinations.