Cathay Pacific to launch direct flights between Hong Kong and Almaty in January

Cathay Pacific Airways plans to introduce direct flights between Hong Kong and Almaty, Kazakhstan's largest city, starting in January 2023. This will mark the airline's first destination in Central Asia and the sole non-stop service linking the two cities. The service will commence on January 9, with flights operating three times a week - every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

The outbound journey departs Hong Kong at 4:25pm and lands in Almaty at 8:30pm local time, while the return flight leaves Almaty at 9:50pm and touches down in Hong Kong at 7am the following morning. Utilizing Airbus A330-300 widebody aircraft, the flights will cover the route in approximately six to seven hours each way, a significant reduction from the 10 to 14 hours typically required, depending on layovers.

Cathay Pacific's website currently accepts reservations for these new routes. In January 2023, one-way fares for economy class tickets will start at HK$2,296 (approximately US$293), while business class fares will begin at HK$14,476. The flight duration is expected to be seven hours and five minutes.

Almaty, the commercial and cultural capital of Kazakhstan, is seen as a vital gateway to Central Asia. It presents opportunities for enhanced trade, business, and tourism. Cathay Pacific's decision to add Almaty to its network underscores its commitment to bolster Hong Kong's status as a leading international aviation hub and to improve connectivity with key markets along the Belt and Road Initiative.

The airline's expansion follows a trade delegation led by Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in June. The delegation aimed to foster more bilateral business prospects.