Cathay Pacific is the flag carrier and largest airline of Hong Kong. It was started in 1946 by an Australian businessman with the intent of flying cheap Chinese made clothes to the markets in Australia. Its name ‘Cathay’ is Chinese and translates to ‘grand and peaceful state’. Today the airline operates modern Boeing and Airbus aircraft to nearly 170 destinations in over 40 countries around the world. Cathay owns Dragonair who operate on regional services throughout Asia, and Air Hong Kong, a cargo airline. The airlines is regularly voted among the best in the world, as is its hub airport, Hong Kong International.
The Difference
- Cathay Pacific flew the first ever transpolar flight over the North Pole in 1998.
- Cathay’s cargo airline is the largest in the world.
- Cathay Pacific is one of the few airlines to have a purely wide-body fleet (planes with three rows of seats, two aisles), although its subsidiary Dragonair does have smaller planes.
- Cathay has been voted the ‘World’s Best Airline’ by Skytrax more often than any other airline. Their last win was 2014.
The Classes
PREMIUM ECONOMY. In addition to the benefits of Economy Class, in Premium Economy you’ll receive more space, a a larger, better quality screen on your entertainment system with noise cancelling airphones, an amenities kit and a welcome drink/hot towel service. Checked luggage allowance is two pieces at 23 kilograms each and cabin is two pieces at 7 kilograms each.
BUSINESS CLASS In addition to the benefits of Premium Economy, in Business Class you’ll receive priority check in service, lounge access, much larger seats which have more legroom and convert to lie flat beds, privacy partitions, luxury amenity kit and bedding such as a light duvet and pillows. Checked luggage allowance is three pieces at 23 kilograms each and cabin is two pieces at 7 kilograms each.
Destinations
Hong Kong and most major cities in Asia (particularly China and Japan) as well as half a dozen cities in Europe.
The Hub
HONG KONG AIRPORT. Built to replace the infamous Kai Tok, the new Hong Kong International Airport is widely regarded as one of the best in the world. The airport sees about 70 million passengers a year, putting it in the world’s top ten. It’s also the world’s busiest cargo airport. The terminal buildings are massive and easily accommodate the amount of people travelling through. The airport is easy to navigate and has English signage. Popular in Hong Kong are ‘pay-in lounges’ where you can pay a one off fee at a variety of choices, and you don’t have to be a member of an airline scheme. If transferring to the city, there are express buses and super quick trains, as well as a ferry terminal for services to Macau and nearby Chinese cities.
