Anand Yedery, Cathay Pacific's regional head of customer travel and lifestyle for South Asia, Middle East and Africa, talks about the airline's growth trajectory, innovative in-flight services, network expansion in India and seamless connectivity. Share insights about our efforts.
Hong Kong's local airline, Cathay Pacific Airways, plays a vital role in cementing Hong Kong's position as a global aviation hub connecting Hong Kong, mainland China and the world. Currently, the airline operates 35 round-trip flights per week connecting four cities in India: Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi and Mumbai.
Improved travel and connectivity in 2024
2024 was a year marked by innovations that redefined the in-flight experience for Cathay Pacific. In particular, the Boeing 777-300ER's all-new business class cabin, the Aria Suite, offers unparalleled comfort, privacy and space. Additionally, the new premium economy cabin on the refurbished Boeing 777-300ER sets new standards with enhanced seating, amenities and a 4K Ultra HD screen with Bluetooth streaming, elevating the mid-tier travel experience.
Cathay Pacific also focused on network expansion and service enhancements in 2024, solidifying its position as a leader in global connectivity. Mr. Anand said, “For the Indian market, the resumption of direct flights from Chennai to Hong Kong after a four-year hiatus is a major milestone to cater to the resurgence of leisure, business and student travel. The introduction of premium economy cabins on our Hong Kong routes represents a significant enhancement to Cathay Pacific's service offering, providing even more comfort and convenience for our travelers.”
An award-winning, unparalleled experience
In addition to Aria Suites and Premium Economy seating, Cathay Pacific's award-winning in-flight entertainment system and diverse dining options make Cathay Pacific even more distinctive. The airline is committed to offering a wide selection of high-quality entertainment and curated gourmet experiences, and by combining complimentary onboard Wi-Fi for business class travelers and Diamond members, the airline We are improving the whole experience and ensuring that passengers are consistently satisfied both on and off the plane. ground.
Cathay Pacific has made a significant jump to fifth place at the prestigious Skytrax World Airlines Awards and won three prestigious awards at TheDesignAir Awards 2024, including Design Airline of the Year, Asia, with an outstanding overall design score of 81.9. received high praise. The company won the Best New Business Class Award for the Aria Suite and Best New Premium Economy, which will be introduced on the refurbished Boeing 777-300ER in October 2024.
A seamless gateway to the Greater Bay Area
Indian travelers can benefit from Cathay Pacific's strategic focus on the Greater Bay Area (GBA). This will greatly improve connectivity and provide easy access to key destinations within the region.
With seamless combined ferry and bus connectivity from Hong Kong International Airport's Skypier Terminal, the airline offers a hassle-free and efficient travel experience. Anand further added, “Cathay Pacific also opened its first off-airport lounge to guests at the Shekou cruise homeport in Shenzhen. Now you can enjoy easy transportation by traveling directly from your cruise home port to Skypier Terminal at Hong Kong International Airport.”
Guangzhou's Guangzhou Ferry Terminal is a top-selling intermodal transportation destination due to its proximity to the Guangzhou Exhibition Hall. It serves as a good alternative to the limited air connectivity from India to Guangzhou. Commenting on this, Mr. Anand said, “In 2024, we will witness strong demand for Guangzhou by Indian travelers, with an increasing number of Indian customers opting for the Air+Sea codeshare option offered by Cathay Pacific. I noticed that.
India: Route expansion and new offers in 2025
Cathay Pacific plans to strengthen its presence in India in 2025 with new routes, service enhancements and exclusive benefits. The major highlight is the introduction of direct flights to Hyderabad starting March 30, 2025. Operated by Airbus. Using A330-300 aircraft, the service will initially operate three times a week, increasing to five times a week by September 2025. This expansion is aimed at meeting the growing demands of both business and business. Leisure travel with a particular focus on the growing student travel market.
Additionally, Cathay Pacific has announced a premium economy cabin for its Chennai-Hong Kong route, operated on its state-of-the-art Airbus A350-900. The aircraft has business, premium economy and economy cabins to accommodate a variety of traveler preferences. “Chennai is an important destination for us and we are focused on providing unparalleled service and travel experiences. Traveler needs have evolved over time. Previously, business class With the introduction of the Premium Economy cabin, our customers can now enjoy even more comfort and personalized service, especially on medium and long-haul flights,” Anand said. Masu.
To further enhance connectivity, the airline will increase the frequency of Chennai-Hong Kong flights to four times a week from January 2, 2025, and five times a week from March 2, 2025 to March 30, 2025. I plan to.
To support student travelers, Cathay Pacific has launched special discounts for students departing from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chennai, with bookings open until March 31, 2025. Students can enjoy a 10% discount on economy class tickets to the following destinations: Taiwan, Philippines, China, Australia, New Zealand, etc. Additionally, special checked baggage allowances of up to 23 kg apply depending on fare type (Essential and Flex) for travel to the US, Canada, or other destinations.
“These offers reflect our commitment to meeting the evolving needs of student travelers,” adds Anand.
With these strategic initiatives, Cathay Pacific continues to solidify its position as the airline of choice for Indian travelers, offering enhanced connectivity, upgraded services and customized travel solutions.
