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Cathay Pacific is increasing flights to Brisbane by 50 per cent from 1 December 2023.
The Hong Kong-based carrier will fly six times per week between Hong Kong and Brisbane using the Boeing 777-300ER, up from four times per week, adding up to 76,440 inbound seats in the first year of operation as well as extra cargo space for exports.
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Flight CX156 will operate from Brisbane to Hong Kong every day from Friday to Wednesday, returning as flight CX157 every day from Thursday to Tuesday. Each flight will have capacity for upwards of 300 passengers, as well as up to 25 to 30 tonnes of freight.
“This week 41 years ago we celebrated the arrival of the very first Cathay Pacific 747 to Brisbane, and today we celebrate the expansion of this service as we slowly build back to full pre-COVID recovery,” said Oliver Philpot, head of aviation marketing & partnerships at Brisbane Airport Corporation.
“Make no mistake, the link between Brisbane and Hong Kong is one of the region’s most critical for Queensland exports, and this will deliver money into the pockets of rural producers across the state, as well as local seafood companies, and of course tourism operators.”
Cathay Pacific is currently the only airline that flies between Brisbane and Hong Kong, and Queensland Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchcliffe says the deal is the 23rd win for the state’s $200 million Attracting Aviation Investment Fund, which is jointly supported by the Queensland government and Queensland’s international airports.
“As a strategic aviation hub, Hong Kong is an important connection for Brisbane-bound visitors and international students, as well as high-value Queensland exports from seafood to pharmaceuticals,” he said.
“Cathay Pacific’s increase in Brisbane services is predicted to deliver almost $158 million over two years for the visitor economy, supporting 840 good Queensland jobs and an extra 50 tonne in return freight capacity.”
The news follows last month’s announcement that Cathay Pacific would add just over 58,000 seats per year between Hong Kong and Perth. Starting on 6 December, the airline will increase its Perth–Hong Kong route from three to five flights per week using its 280-seat Airbus A350-900 fleet.
