Cathay Pacific is the national airline carrier for Hong Kong. Its history starts in 1946 and since then the airline has grown to service flights to 114 destinations in 36 countries. Its main focus cities are Bangkok and Taipei. The name comes from China’s ancient name, Cathay and Pacific because one of the founders, Roy C. Farrell predicted the airline would cross the Pacific Ocean. Cathay Pacific was one of the founding members of OneWorld.
Identity Card
- IATA code: CX
- Number of serviced cities: 114 destinations worldwide
- Main hub: Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
- Alliance: OneWorld
- Fleet: 126 aircraft
- Loyalty rewards program: The Marco Polo Club
History of Cathay Pacific
In 1946 two ex-air force pilots founded Cathay Pacific. The initial start up cost was HK$2, about 15 pence, to register the company name. The inaugural flight went from Hong Kong to Manila and then on to Shanghai, with one of the founders flying the plane. The airline started with routes between Hong Kong, Sydney, Manila, Singapore, Shanghai and Canton.
In the 1960s Cathay Pacific bought its archrival Hong Kong Airways. In 1964 the airline celebrated carrying its millionth passenger. Wit the acquisition of its first Boeing 747 in the 1970s the airline also began serviced routes to London. Over the years Cathay added new routes, increased its profits and expanded greatly. It was one of the founding members of OneWorld, it operated the final flight to depart ever from Hong Kong Kai Tak Airport, it operated the first flight to depart from Hong Kong International Airport, and it operated the world’s first non-stop transpolar flight from New York to Hong Kong, scraping 3-4 hours off the flight time. Today Cathay services the main gateway from North America and Europe to Hong Kong.
Travel with Cathay: practical information
Onboard services
- Meals: Cathay flights are equipped with rice cookers, toasters, and skillets ensuring that cooked rice, toast, and eggs come as fresh as possible. Complimentary snacks are available as well as a served hot meal.
- Entertainment: Personal entertainment systems allow passengers to choose from films, American and Asian television programmes, newspapers, magazines, games, music, radio etc.
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Baggage Allowances
- Cabin: 1 cabin bag is permitted weighting up to 7 kg with maximum dimensions of 36 x 26 x 56 cm.
- Checked: 1 piece is permitted weighing up to 20 kg. Infants are permitted one bag weighing 10 kg.
- Excess: Luggage exceeding 20 kg are subject to a fee of 1.5% of the highest paid Economy class adult fare.
Discounts and Special Offers
There are available discounted rates for children and infants however these must be booked offline. For all other offers and discounts, refer to the Cathay Pacific listings on Liligo.com.
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