Cathay Pacific has today (11th October 2022) launched flights from Bengaluru, India. With this, Bengaluru becomes the third destination for the airline in India.
As of 11th October 2022, Cathay Pacific is operating two-flights-a-week between Bengaluru and Hong Kong with the following schedule:
- Hong Kong-Bengaluru
- Departure time: 20:55
- Arrival time: 00:20 (the next day)
- Flight time: 5 hours and 55 minutes
- Flight number: CX623
- Frequency: Mondays and Thursdays
- Bengaluru-Hong Kong
- Departure time: 01:20
- Arrival time: 09:50
- Flight time: 6 hours
- Flight number: CX624
- Frequency: Tuesdays and Fridays
Flights are being operated by Cathay Pacific’s Boeing B777-300ER aircraft featuring lie-flat Business Class, Premium Economy Class and Economy Class.
We are delighted to once again serve the residents of Bengaluru. As a group, we have had a long-standing history with the city and now we will be taking to the skies from the third-largest airport in India – Kempegowda International Airport on 11 October with Cathay Pacific.
said Rakesh Raicar, Regional General Manager – South Asia, Middle East and Africa, Cathay Pacific.
Hong Kong is a key business and leisure destination and BLR Airport being the ‘New Gateway to India’, is delighted to have the Cathay Pacific group once again connecting Bengaluru to Hong Kong and beyond. It gives us immense pleasure to welcome their wide-body Boeing 777-300 aircraft that offers premium connectivity for passengers and cargo to multiple destinations in the Far East. It’s always been our endeavour to explore new partnerships and establish enhanced connectivity. With Cathay Pacific, we hope to grow stronger as a preferred hub for One World alliance partners with eight carriers choosing Bengaluru as their Southern India gateway.
said Satyaki Raghunath, Chief Strategy and Development Officer, Bangalore International Airport Ltd.
Onboard Cathay Pacific
Passengers can enjoy a “premium” experience in Cathay Pacific’s Business class cabin that includes lie-flat seats, privacy partitions, adjustable lighting, expansive tables, one-click sitting and sleeping settings, and a selection of Bamford skincare products that keeps them refreshed and hydrated through their journey. Moreover, they can savour the specially curated contemporary Business class menu, highlighting bold international flavours, classic Hong Kong favourites and light, healthy options. All meals are complemented with a selection of fine wines, champagnes, premium spirits and Betsy beer – the airline’s pale ale handcrafted for 35,000 feet.
Business Class passengers transiting through Hong Kong can relax in Cathay Pacific’s largest lounge, The Pier, Business, modelled after Hong Kong’s inspirational experiences, while enjoying the city’s flavours and home comforts at the lounge’s signature Teahouse and the popular Noodle Bar.
Passengers travelling in Premium Economy Class can enjoy perks such as a dedicated queue for check-in and priority boarding. All seats in Premium Economy come equipped with a generous recline, expansive legroom, supported head rest, footrests, a larger meal table and additional storage space.
Economy Class seats are ergonomically designed with cushioning and an adjustable headrest, providing maximum support for the head and neck.
Cathay Pacific recently redesigned Economy Class fares giving passengers the choice and flexibility to choose what suits them when booking their flights. The Light, Essential and Flex fares are tailored to meet passengers’ needs. Each fare offers passengers increasingly more control and greater benefits, from enhanced baggage allowances to flexible rebooking and upgrade options.
A wide-body aircraft on this route will not only cater to the travel needs of corporate and leisure travellers but provide each segment with a cabin of choice and allow them to travel with enhanced comfort to Hong Kong and beyond. Moreover, launching Cathay Pacific in the city also gives us an opportunity to service our customers and partners, whilst providing them with a comfortable and a premium experience on our world-class products.
added Rakesh.
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Entry requirements in Hong Kong
Anti-pandemic regulations are currently in place for passengers arriving in or transiting through Hong Kong, including presenting a negative COVID-19 test result, as per requirements implemented by the Hong Kong government.
Cathay Pacific has partnered with diagnostic labs to offer special rates on RT-PCR testing to passengers travelling to Hong Kong and beyond. Customers can avail the special offers from a host of different cities including Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi and more. As part of the ‘Fly Ready’ programme. passengers can conveniently upload COVID-19 test results and other required health documents before their flight to Hong Kong. Documents uploaded are verified ahead of time.
In an effort to allow travellers greater flexibility with their bookings, the airline has launched the Fly (Worry) Free programme, giving passengers an option to make unlimited ticket changes to their booking, including choosing different travel dates and even destinations until 31st December 2022.
Cathay group back in Bengaluru
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Cathay Pacific’s sister airline, Cathay Dragon, used to operate nonstop flights between Bengaluru and Hong Kong. However, Cathay Dragon merged with Cathay Pacific during the pandemic and this meant that Bengaluru lost nonstop connectivity with Hong Kong.
Now, the arrival of Cathay Pacific is good news for Bengaluru as it just not opens Hong Kong to Bengaluru but it also opens up easy connectivity beyond Hong Kong.
Growing international hub
In the last few months, Bengaluru has been the choice of destination for international airlines in India after Delhi and Mumbai. Recently, Qantas started nonstop flights to Bengaluru from Sydney, with the airline opting Bengaluru over Mumbai.
Qantas and Cathay Pacific both are part of the oneworld airline alliance. As mentioned by Satyaki Raghunath, Chief Strategy and Development Officer, Bangalore International Airport Ltd, eight oneworld carriers currently serve Bengaluru. That number could soon increase as Finnair, another oneworld carrier, has expressed interest in launching flights to Bengaluru.
American Airlines, another oneworld airline, has also announced plan to launch nonstop flights between Seattle and Bengaluru. However, the plan has been put on hold due to Russian airspace closure and lack of available aircraft.
Featured image by Airplane Pictures/Marek Horák
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