Cathay Pacific Airways has announced it will launch a four-times-weekly service between Manchester and Hong Kong with effect from December 8th 2014.

Tickets for the service are now open for sale.

Manchester Airport is the UK’s third biggest airport, the international gateway to the North of England, with over 20.8 million passengers per year, serving 200 plus destinations.

Coupled with the £800m Airport City development on site, it is a powerful international transport and business hub.

The Manchester service will be operated by Boeing 777-300ER aircraft featuring Cathay Pacific’s acclaimed new cabin products, including the awarding-winning Business Class, Premium Economy Class and the new Economy Class seats.

Together with the premium service provided by Cathay Pacific’s cabin crew and a state-of-the-art in-flight entertainment system in all classes, passengers will be provided with the best experience when they travel between Manchester and Hong Kong.

Inbound flights will arrive in Manchester from Hong Kong at 06:20, every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

Flights will depart from Manchester the same day, departing at 12:00 and will arrive in Hong Kong at 07:55 every Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

General manager Europe at Cathay Pacific Angus Barclay commented: “We are committed to forging stronger links between the UK and China.

“We already currently operate five flights a day from London Heathrow to Hong Kong and the addition of the Manchester route provides a real opportunity to help stimulate economic growth in the North West.

“We continue to see an ever-increasing demand for air travel to and from the Asia Pacific region for both business and leisure traffic.

“This will be the only non-stop direct service from Manchester to Hong Kong; Cathay Pacific offers passengers even more choice and flexibility and, at the same time, will boost Manchester’s standing as an International hub.”