Cathay Pacific re-starts flights between Hong Kong and Cairns

• Cathay Pacific to re-start flights between Hong Kong and Cairns from December to March offering over 13 000 inbound seats from Christmas to the Chinese New Year
• Cairns Airport is closing in on international pre-COVID seat capacity
• Hong Kong to Cairns is the 35^th international service secured by $200 million Attracting Aviation Fund supporting $2 billion in visitor spend and 23,000 jobs

Cairns Airport is closing in on international pre-COVID seat capacity for the first time with the return of Cathay Pacific flights between Hong Kong and Cairns from December.

The airline will operate services on a two-class configured Airbus A330 aircraft three times per week between 17 December 2024 and 29 March 2025, covering the peak Christmas holiday period and Chinese New Year festivities.

Hong Kong serves as a hub for passengers travelling from mainland China, across Asia, the UK and Europe.

The flights are good news for Far North meat, fisheries, fruit, and vegetable producers who will have a direct link for exports into Hong Kong and mainland China.

It’s another win for the $200 million Attracting Aviation Investment Fund which has now secured 35 international service since February 2022.

The 35 services are estimated to deliver more than 2.27 million inbound international seats, up to $2 billion in overnight visitor spending each year and support almost 23,000 Queensland jobs.

Quotes attributable to Tourism Minister Michael Healy:

“Hong Kong and Chinese Mainland tourists can celebrate and book a trip to Cairns on Cathay Pacific.

“This comes after I led a delegation to Hong Kong last August to meet with Cathay Pacific, to map out their return to Cairns after five years out of the market. I am so proud to be part of the team who brought Cathay Pacific back.

“Cathay Pacific returning to Cairns is something not only the tourism industry has been waiting for, but also our agriculture, aquaculture and international student sectors.

“This will be welcomed across our business community and I expect it will see a rekindling of the healthy relationship between Cairns and China and the significant economic benefits it brings.

“It will lead to growth in tourism numbers, growth in our export market and growth in our Far North regional economy.

“The flights will inject almost 27,000 seats over the season, carrying up to 13,000 inbound international visitors who will spend an estimated $20 million, and support more jobs in the Cairns region.

“It’s another win for the Miles Labor Government’s $200 million Attracting Aviation Investment Fund. AAIF has now secured 35 international routes since February 2022, delivering more than 2.27 million inbound seats and up to $2 billion in overnight visitor spending each year, supporting almost 23,000 Queensland jobs.”

Quotes attributable to Cairns Airport Chief Executive Officer Richard Barker:

“This is a significant and highly positive announcement for our region as we enter a new era in the relationship between Cairns Airport and Cathay Pacific.

“We are pleased to welcome Cathay Pacific back to Cairns at a time when we expect passenger demand to be strong, including the peak Christmas travel period and Chinese New Year.

“This is an injection of nearly 27,000 seats over the season. It is also a fantastic opportunity for our local exporters to gain direct access to Hong Kong and Mainland China.

“Cathay Pacific is a well-known brand in our market and we look forward to seeing their familiar aircraft at our international terminal in December.”

Quotes attributable to Frosti Lau, Cathay Pacific Regional General Manager, Southwest Pacific:

“It has been nearly five years since Cathay Pacific has flown out of Cairns and we are thrilled to be bringing our services back.

“This seasonal service will offer direct access to Hong Kong and provide seamless connections to the rest of the world, including into London, the Chinese Mainland, India and the US. It will also encourage inbound visitors from Europe, the US, Canada and key Asian markets – all ready to explore the stunning Cairns region.

“Not only is this an important route for customers travelling in and out of Tropical North Queensland, but it is also an incredibly valuable port for cargo and the trade economy. Cathay Pacific will support local live seafood, meat and seasonal fruit exporters predominately, with expertise to manage deliveries across a range of industries.”

Quotes attributable to Tourism Tropical North Queensland CEO Mark Olsen:

“The return of Cathay Pacific will further boost international visitor numbers to the destination during the shoulder season.

“Before the pandemic we relied on international visitors to boost numbers during summer, especially during the Chinese New Year season.

“This 15-week season has the potential to bring a $20 million boost to the Tropical North Queensland economy helping to support the one in five jobs in tourism year-round.”

ENDS

Media contact – Peter Michael 0477 948 091