Cathay Pacific Launches Direct Hong Kong-Rome Flights

Cathay Pacific has unveiled an exciting expansion of its global network as part of its 100th-anniversary celebrations. Announced on January 8, 2025, the airline will introduce direct flights between Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) and Rome-Fiumicino Airport (FCO). These flights are set to commence on June 5, 2025, operating three times weekly during the summer season, marking Cathay Pacific’s second direct connection between its home hub and Italy. The airline currently offers five return flights per week to Milan-Malpensa (MXP), which will increase to a daily frequency in the summer of 2025.

The new 5,778-mile (9,245 km) route to Rome will be served by Cathay Pacific’s fleet of Airbus A350-900 aircraft. Each aircraft accommodates 280 passengers across three classes: 38 in business class, 28 in premium economy, and 214 in economy class. Flight CX293 will depart Hong Kong at 00:45 on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, arriving in Rome at 07:50 local time. The return flight, CX292, will leave Rome at 11:45 on the same days, arriving back in Hong Kong at 05:20 the following morning. This seasonal service will run until October 25, 2025.

Enhancing Travel During the Year of Jubilee

Cathay Pacific’s expansion to Rome aligns with the Catholic Church’s 2025 Year of Jubilee, a once-in-25-years event featuring numerous celebrations and events in Vatican City and Rome. “Visitors to Rome can look forward to exploring one of Europe’s most impressive historical and cultural centers with the city boasting countless monuments, landmarks, museums, and churches,” said Lavinia Lau, Cathay Pacific’s Chief Customer and Commercial Officer. “Cathay Pacific’s return to the city is especially timely, providing travelers from Asia with a convenient connection to the Italian capital as the Catholic Church celebrates the 2025 Year of Jubilee.”

Lavinia Lau also highlighted the historical significance of the route: “Cathay Pacific’s history in Italy stretches back close to 40 years when we first launched direct flights between Hong Kong and Rome in 1986. We know our customers have been eagerly anticipating the return of this route, and we are delighted to be returning to Italy’s marvelous capital this summer. Whether they are traveling for business, leisure, or the 2025 Jubilee celebrations, we look forward to welcoming customers onboard our flights to experience our world-class service.”

Strategic Network Expansion for 2025

Beyond Rome, Cathay Pacific is set to launch additional direct flights to Hyderabad in March 2025, Dallas-Fort Worth in April, Munich in June, and Brussels in August 2025. These new routes are part of the airline’s broader strategy to enhance its global presence and strengthen Hong Kong’s status as a leading international aviation hub. Additionally, Cathay Group’s low-cost carrier, HK Express, will introduce new flights to Sendai Airport (SDJ) in Japan in January 2025, competing with Greater Bay Airlines and Hong Kong Airlines.

Overall, Cathay Pacific and HK Express project to operate passenger services to 100 destinations worldwide by the end of 2025. This ambitious expansion underscores the group’s commitment to providing extensive connectivity and enhancing travel options for passengers across the globe.

Commitment to Excellence and Innovation

Cathay Pacific’s partnership with Airbus, highlighted during the CES 2025 technology conference in Las Vegas, includes the newly launched ‘UpNext’ program. This collaboration aims to develop the next generation of advanced aviation technologies, focusing on innovation labs, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), and new flight operations techniques like the innovative ‘fello’fly’ method. These initiatives are designed to enhance fuel efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and improve overall flight performance.

“As we celebrate our 100th anniversary, our partnership with Airbus through the UpNext program signifies our dedication to innovation and sustainability in aviation,” said Ed Bastian, CEO of Delta Air Lines. “Our goal is to make air travel more accessible and environmentally friendly, ensuring a brighter future for the aviation industry.”

Cathay Pacific’s strategic route expansions and technological collaborations position the airline for continued growth and resilience in the competitive aviation market. By enhancing connectivity to key international destinations and investing in sustainable technologies, Cathay Pacific is well-equipped to meet the evolving demands of global travelers and maintain its reputation for excellence in service.

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