Cathay Pacific Airways today saw its first flight take off from London Gatwick to Hong Kong.

The only non-stop service connecting Gatwick and Hong Kong, it will also be Cathay Pacific’s first long-haul route in the UK to feature the brand new Airbus 350-900 aircraft.

Ideally placed to serve both leisure and business travellers, the new four-times weekly service will operate from Gatwick’s South Terminal.

Featuring Business Class, Premium Economy Class and Economy Class seats, Cathay Pacific’s state-of-the-art A350-900 also provides inflight connectivity in all cabin classes for the first time.

Passengers will be able to use their own mobile devices to browse the internet, send and receive emails, and stay connected on social media, for a small fee.

The new service will complement the airline’s current five-times-daily service from Heathrow Airport for a total of 39 flights a week between London and Hong Kong – more than any other carrier.

In addition to serving London, Cathay Pacific also offers a four-times-weekly service between Manchester and Hong Kong.

Cathay Pacific general manager Europe, Neil Glenn said: “We are committed to providing our passengers with greater choice and flexibility, and this new non-stop service from Gatwick to Hong Kong is testament to this. 

“With 2016 marking Cathay Pacific’s 70th anniversary, we are proud to now offer passengers three non-stop routes from the UK to Hong Kong, and then beyond.

“Meeting the increasing demand from both business and leisure travellers, we are delighted that this route will also be served by the new-generation A350.”