Cathay Pacific will operate three return flights per week between Hong Kong and Riyadh using its modern Airbus A350-900 aircraft
Cathay Pacific announces the launch of direct passenger flights to Riyadh from October 28, 2024, further enhancing connectivity, trade and cultural exchange between its home hub, Hong Kong, and countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative.
Cathay Pacific marked the announcement with a signing ceremony in Hong Kong, attended and witnessed by Secretary for Transport and Logistics Lam Sai-hung, Consul General of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Hong Kong SAR, Hamad Aljebreen, Cathay Group Chief Executive Officer Ronald Lam and Saudi Air Connectivity Program Chief Executive Officer Majid Khan. The agreement was signed by Cathay Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Lavinia Lau, and Saudi Air Connectivity Program Aviation Development Vice President Rashed Alshammari in the presence of distinguished guests from Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia.
Secretary for Transport and Logistics Lam Sai-hung said: “I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to Cathay Pacific for their unfaltering support to the Government’s policies and for considering Hong Kong’s strategic development needs in their network planning. The Hong Kong SAR Government is committed to strengthening aviation services on current major routes and routes along the Belt and Road with potential.”
Consul General of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Hong Kong SAR Hamad Aljebreen said, “This comes at a time when relations between the two sides are witnessing many positive developments and concrete achievements, with noticeable increase in the frequency of mutual visits on all levels between the two sides. There is no doubt that the launch of this route will contribute significantly to opening broader horizons of cooperation, increasing partnerships, bringing more investments, capital, and visitors to the two sides, in line with achieving the goals of the Kingdom’s vision 2030 and the Belt and Road Initiative.”
Cathay Group Chief Executive Officer Ronald Lam said, “We are excited to announce the launch of flights connecting Hong Kong and Riyadh this October, which will further strengthen our network in the Middle East and enhance Hong Kong’s connectivity with this important region. This new service will offer more travel options and greater convenience for our customers travelling to and from Saudi Arabia, as well as promote opportunities for business, trade and tourism.
Saudi Air Connectivity Program Chief Executive Officer Majid Khan said, “With direct flights between Hong Kong and Riyadh with Cathay Pacific, air connectivity to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will further strengthen from our key source markets to grow inbound tourism. Travellers from Hong Kong and Cathay Pacific’s network, including China, Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia, and other APAC countries will explore Saudi Arabia’s vast tourism potential.”