Cathay Pacific Airways today launched its first direct service from Hong Kong to Moscow, the latest addition to the airline’s growing network and further strengthening Hong Kong as a global aviation hub.

Services between Hong Kong and Moscow are operated under a code-share agreement with Aeroflot - Russian Airlines signed in March. This morning, flight CX9240 (SU595) from Moscow touched down at the Hong Kong International Airport at 9:45am. CX9241 (SU596) then departed for Moscow on schedule at 11:05am and is expected to arrive in the Russian city 5:25pm.

Flight numbers have been designated with both Aeroflot’s “SU” and Cathay Pacific’s “CX” prefixes, giving Cathay Pacific passengers the benefit of through check-in and ease of transfer between the Moscow service and any other Cathay Pacific flight. Both Aeroflot and Cathay Pacific will market the service but flights are operated by Aeroflot using a Boeing B767 aircraft. Currently, passengers can choose from six services a week during this peak summer season.

Passengers who are members of the Asia Miles programme can earn Asia Miles when they book through Cathay Pacific. Front-end passengers and members of The Marco Polo Club will also be able to enjoy the airline’s award winning lounges - The Wing and The Pier - at Hong Kong International Airport during transfer and prior to the approximately ten hour flight to Moscow.

Cathay Pacific Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive David Turnbull said: “We are very happy to work with Aeroflot to offer this new service to our passengers. Moscow is a dynamic city and a prime destination for both business and leisure travellers. With our strong network across Asia we can offer passengers convenient connections through Hong Kong direct to the Russian capital and beyond.”

Moscow’s addition to the Cathay Pacific network reflects the airline’s on-going commitment to further strengthen Hong Kong as a global aviation hub. From 1 July Cathay Pacific will be the only carrier to operate a daily non-stop service from Hong Kong to New York. With the airline’s existing connecting service via Vancouver, Cathay Pacific will also be the only carrier to fly the Hong Kong - New York route twice daily.
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