Cathay Pacific, the flag carrier of Hong Kong, is enhancing its presence in the United States with six scheduled routes connecting Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) to various US destinations. According to data from Cirium, an aviation analytics company, the airline is set to operate a total of 720 flights this December, reflecting the strong demand for transpacific travel. All routes are served at least daily, with some experiencing up to three departures each day in both directions.
Major Routes Highlighted
Among these routes, the connection between Hong Kong and New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) stands out. Cathay Pacific will conduct 186 flights this month—93 in each direction—offering a thrice-daily service. The airline utilizes a mix of aircraft, including the Airbus A350-1000, Boeing 777-300ER, and Airbus A350-900. This route, which spans 8,070 miles (12,987.4 km), is Cathay’s second-longest to the US.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) features a similar frequency with 90 flights scheduled each way, maintaining three rotations on most days. Notably, on December 1, 3, and 5, the frequency will reduce to two flights due to operational adjustments. All flights to LAX are operated using the Boeing 777-300ER.
In 2024, Cathay Pacific plans to introduce a new service to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), responding to the increasing demand for better connectivity between Asia and North America, particularly for travelers from the Chinese Mainland and India.
Additional Destinations and Competitive Landscape
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) ranks as Cathay Pacific’s third most frequented US destination, with 84 flights scheduled in December. Passengers can expect either two or three flights daily on this route, which covers 6,927 miles (11,147.9 km). Flight durations average around 12 hours when flying east from Hong Kong, while westbound flights can exceed 15 hours. The coverage on this route includes both the Airbus A350-900 and the Boeing 777-300ER.
Cathay Pacific does not operate in isolation on the San Francisco route, as it competes with United Airlines, which has a significant presence at SFO. According to data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), this competition has contributed to Hong Kong becoming San Francisco’s sixth most popular international destination based on passenger volume, a rise from ninth place in 2023.
In addition to New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, Cathay Pacific offers daily services to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), and Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD). The DFW route, which is 8,120 miles (13,212.7 km) long, utilizes the Airbus A350-1000, and flights take over 16 hours.
Passengers aboard Cathay Pacific’s Airbus A350-1000 can expect a premium experience, featuring 46 business class flatbeds, 32 premium economy recliners, and 256 economy seats. The cabin layout includes four (1-2-1) business class seats, eight (2-4-2) in premium economy, and nine (3-3-3) in economy, ensuring comfort for travelers across all classes.
As Cathay Pacific expands its US network, it not only enhances its service offerings but also reinforces its position as a leading airline in the competitive transpacific market.
