Hong Kong Airlines cleared to land in Vancouver

Commencing on June 30, Hong Kong Airlines will operate daily direct flights between Hong Kong and Vancouver by Airbus A330 aircraft.

Li Dianchun, chief commercial officer of Hong Kong Airlines said, "This new route service is Hong Kong Airlines' debut in North America. The new route will also open up more opportunities for travelers worldwide to leverage our connectivity in Asia, hence bringing more diverse and convenient travel options for travelers from Hong Kong, the Pearl River Delta region, Oceania and North America."

Established in 2006, Hong Kong Airlines has grown remarkably in just ten years with a wide destination network covering 36 major cities across the Asia Pacific region, including Gold Coast, Auckland, Beijing, Shanghai, Taipei, Tokyo, Sapporo, Seoul, Bangkok, Bali and Okinawa. The current operating fleet is made up of 34 Airbus aircraft, consisting of 29 passenger aircraft and five freighters.

Delta Air Lines launch of Seattle-Hong Kong service

Delta Air Lines launched nonstop service from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to Hong Kong on Monday. The new market is Delta's latest addition in the buildup of its Seattle hub and its fifth new international destination from Seattle in the last year.

With the launch of Hong Kong service, Delta customers now have nonstop access to nine long-haul international destinations from Seattle - more than all other airlines combined - including the top five destinations in Asia and three of the top four destinations in Europe. Delta is the only carrier to offer nonstop service from Seattle to Amsterdam, Hong Kong, Paris, Shanghai and Tokyo-Haneda.

Delta currently operates 76 peak-day departures to 25 destinations from Seattle. Delta has increased its peak-day departures by more than 30 percent since a year ago and by December will offer 95 peak-day departures to 33 destinations, making it Seattle's fastest-growing airline.

American Airlines strengthens presence in Asia-Pacific region

American Airlines launched daily nonstop service between Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) and Hong Kong and Shanghai on Wednesday - reinforcing the company's commitment to expanding and strengthening its presence in the Asia-Pacific region.

"DFW Airport, Mayor Price and I have been advocating for more direct access to Asia, knowing the trans-Pacific market is critical for business across the state,” said Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings.

"These direct routes connect two of the world's most significant economic centers to DFW and will open new avenues of trade and tourism for our region,” said Sean Donohue, CEO of  DFW International Airport

Hong Kong service

The new daily service between DFW and Hong Kong International Airport will be operated with a Boeing 777-300ER, marking the first time American will deploy its flagship aircraft to Asia. The aircraft features a three-class cabin configuration with fully lie-flat seats in First and Business Class, international Wi-Fi, and more customer and cargo capacity than any other aircraft currently in American's fleet.

Shanghai service

The new service between DFW and Shanghai Pudong International Airport will be operated with a Boeing 777-200ER aircraft. American will be retrofitting its entire fleet of 777-200ERs to include fully lie-flat Business Class seats, each with aisle access; new seats in the Main Cabin; in-seat entertainment; and international Wi-Fi capability. The new fully lie-flat Business Class seats on American's 777-200ERs will afford travelers among the largest living space of any 777 Business Class seat offered by any U.S. carrier.

The service to Hong Kong will add a new destination to American's international network, and the service to Shanghai complements American's existing service from Los Angeles International Airport and Chicago O'Hare International Airport.

Cathay Pacific Airways new daily service from Newark to Hong Kong

Cathay Pacific Airways launched a new daily service from Newark Liberty International Airport to Hong Kong on Sunday with a first flight celebration that included a lion dance and traditional roast pig cutting ceremony.

The new service complements Cathay Pacific's current four-times-daily service from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York. “The launch of the Newark service provides more convenience and greater flexibility for passengers traveling to and from the New York metropolitan area,” the airline said in a press statement.

The Newark service is operated by Boeing 777-300ER aircraft featuring Cathay Pacific's new cabin products, including the awarding-winning Business Class, Premium Economy Class and the new Economy Class seats.

Cathay Pacific Senior Vice President, Americas, Tom Owen said, "The introduction of Cathay Pacific's Newark to Hong Kong service demonstrates our commitment to the New York Metropolitan area, which has been instrumental in the development of our North American operations.”

Newark is Cathay Pacific's fifth gateway in the United States, and seventh in North America. The airline currently serves Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Toronto and Vancouver.

Cathay Pacific Airways flies daily to Hong Kong and beyond, including over 22 destinations in mainland China, from Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco.

Receive DCNewsroom email alerts, subscribe here.