25/03/2018
Cathay Pacific launches a nonstop service between Brussels Airport and Hong Kong International Airport on Sunday 25th March. With 50,000 travellers between Belgium and Hong Kong, this city and region are already a top destination for Belgians. And the direct flight now offers yet more opportunities for holiday-makers and business travellers wishing to discover this inspiring destination.
The first flight at Brussels Airport was treated to a celebratory welcome with a traditional lion dance and inaugurated by Cathay Pacific General Manager, James Ginns, Vice-Prime Minister and Minister for Economy, Kris Peeters, Brussels Airport Company CEO, Arnaud Feist and Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Union, Shirley Lam.
“The direct flight from Cathay Pacific to Hong Kong is a new milestone for Brussels Airport. We’re delighted to welcome the first nonstop flight between our country and the inspiring metropolis of Hong Kong. The Asia network is now richer by a top destination, for both holiday-makers and business travellers alike. The world-renowned quality of Cathay Pacific means that our passengers can enjoy excellent on-board service during their flight,” says Arnaud Feist, Brussels Airport Company CEO.
Hong Kong is a destination that appeals to the imagination of many. Thanks to its unique location and history, the metropolis is melting pot of Eastern and Western cultures, of tradition and modernity, of old and new. Hong Kong ranks high on the bucket list of holiday destinations for many Belgians and Europeans.
As home to countless international financial institutions and a centre of trade, Hong Kong is also the number 1 destination in Asia for business travellers from Belgium. 11% of Belgian exports currently go to Asia and this trend is on the rise. In order to support the economic growth of our country and businesses, Brussels Airport wishes to seize every opportunity to expand its network and create direct connections between Belgium and emerging countries.
Cathay Pacific’s General Manager Europe James Ginns said: “We are committed to providing our passengers with greater choice and flexibility, and this new non-stop service from Brussels to Hong Kong is testament to this. 2018 sees us expanding our reach to new destinations in Europe and beyond, and we are proud to start by connecting Hong Kong, the heart of Asia, to Brussels, the heart of Europe.”
The Chinese market is one of the fastest growing markets in the world and offers huge potential. The Chinese population enjoys frequent travel and is curious to discover Europe. Conversely, Asia is increasingly appealing to the imagination of Belgians and Europeans, and tourism between both continents is only set to increase. Approximately 7 million Chinese visit the European continent each year.
The network between Belgium and Asia has seen steady growth in recent years. With the direct flight to Hong Kong, the number of direct destinations from Brussels Airport to Asia increases to 7, following Beijing, Bangkok, Tokyo, Mumbai, Shanghai and Shenzhen.
Cathay Pacific flies between Brussels and Hong Kong with their new, low-noise Airbus A350 four times a week, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Its aircraft will land at Brussels Airport around 7 o'clock in the morning and return to Hong Kong around 1 o'clock in the afternoon.