Supporting growth and policies is in the game for the Cathay Group, with Cathay Pacific planning to launch services to Almaty, Kazakhstan.
Cathay Pacific has announced plans to launch direct flights to Almaty, Kazakhstan’s commercial and cultural capital, in the first quarter of 2027. The airline plans to operate three flights per week using an Airbus A330-300 aircraft, which will be the only direct service linking Hong Kong and Kazakhstan, as part of the Belt and Road initiative of the Chinese Government.
This was announced during a ceremony and trade mission to Kazakhstan.
According to the airline, Kazakhstan is Central Asia’s most developed economy with key industries including manufacturing, mining and industrial production. It is Hong Kong’s largest trading partner and leading export market in the region. Meanwhile, demand between the Chinese Mainland and Central Asia has grown steadily in recent years, underpinned by trade, investment and Belt and Road activity. The country also has a growing tourism sector offering summer and winter outdoor activities and is set to host the Asian Winter Games in 2029.
In Quotes
Cathay Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Lavinia Lau said
“Central Asia is a strategically important Belt and Road region that offers ample business opportunities. As Hong Kong’s home hub carrier, Cathay has aligned interests with the HKSAR Government in strengthening our connectivity with this emerging market.
“Last year, we launched direct flights to Urumqi in Northwestern China, a city whose close proximity to Central Asia extended our reach not only in the Chinese Mainland, but also to other key destinations along the Belt and Road. As we celebrate ’80 Years Together’ with our home city, we are excited to build on that momentum by announcing plans to operate direct flights between Hong Kong and Almaty, our first ever destination in Central Asia, fostering new opportunities for people, cargo and capital flow with this dynamic region.”
Reforging links
The return to Almaty marks a seven-year break since the Central Asia route was last served. The airline is now choosing to strengthen links to Hong Kong and China.
Belt and Road is a key part of Cathay’s Group business, with Cathay Pacific and HK Express operating close to 600 return flights per week to 33 Belt and Road destinations. The Group also operates more than 330 return flights per week between Hong Kong and 24 destinations in the Chinese Mainland
Almaty has some choice of connectivity to the Far East, with Air Astana (Beijing, Guangzhou, Ürümqi), Air China (Beijing), AirAsiaX (Kuala Lumpur), China Eastern (Shanghai-Pudong), China Southern (Beijing–Daxing, Guangzhou, Ürümqi and Xi’an), FlyArystan (Xi’an), LoongAir (Hangzhou), VietJet Air (Hanoi).
So, there’s plenty of choice. Cathay will be competing for those given Guangzhou, given that it’s a two-hour ferry ride or a train ride away (between 1 and 2 hours) from Hong Kong.
But a new link that flies three times a week should be a good test to see what the market is like between Hong Kong and Almaty.
Welcome to Economy Class and Beyond. Your no-nonsense guide to network news, honest reviews, in-depth coverage, unique research, as well as the humour and madness I only know how to deliver.
Our Social Media pool has expanded. You can find us across most networks as @economybeyond on BlueSky, Threads, Mastodon and Instagram!
Also, remember that we are part of the BoardingArea community, bringing you the latest frequent flyer news from around the world.
Leave a Reply