Cairns Airport has welcomed the announcement by Cathay Pacific that the airline will increase its direct services between Cairns and Hong Kong.

Four direct, non-stop services between Hong Kong and Cairns will now operate per week, adding to the growing Chinese tourism market for Far North Queensland.

Cairns Airport GM Aeronautical Development and Marketing, Janice Antonson, said the news was good for the region as preparations continue for celebrations to mark the 20th anniversary of Cathay Pacific’s services between Hong Kong and Cairns.  

“These direct Cathay flights will bring a range of benefits to our region,” Ms Antonson said.  

At present Cathay Pacific operates seven flights a week from Cairns to Hong Kong, but some are via Brisbane, meaning Cairns passengers may stop in Brisbane en route to Hong Kong or arrive in Brisbane before flying to Cairns.  

The new service provides greater convenience for Cairns passengers with all four flights from Cairns to Hong Kong non-stop, and an increase in the non-stop from Hong Kong to Cairns of three to four flights per week.

“The convenience of a truly direct service is important for international visitors and business travellers coming to our region from Hong Kong or China and other parts of Asia and Europe, via Hong Kong,” Ms Antonson said.

“Local people travelling to Hong Kong and beyond will also enjoy the benefits of the direct service.”

Meanwhile increased freight opportunities will provide a boost to the region’s economy with an extra direct service per week increasing the cargo connectivity by more than 30 per cent, opening up new export options to local producers.

The revised schedule comes into effect from the end of March 2014.