Cathay Pacific Airways today announced the launch of a new service between Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia's capital Riyadh. The new service will start on Sunday 28 October and operate two times a week using Boeing 777-200 aircraft.

Cathay Pacific's Director and Chief Operating Officer Philip Chen said: "Riyadh is an important addition to Cathay Pacific's passenger network and will help further enhance Hong Kong's position as Asia's leading aviation hub."

Cathay Pacific first began flying to the Middle East in November 1976. Following the launch of the new service to Riyadh, it will operate a total of 18 passenger flights a week to destinations in the Middle East. This includes seven flights a week to Bahrain, nine to Dubai, and two to Riyadh. With the addition of Riyadh, Cathay Pacific will increase its total number of world-wide destinations to 49.

The city of Riyadh is rich in history and home to many archaeological sites and museums. The attractions include the Masmak Fortress, Murraba Palace, Al-Thumairi Gate and the ruins of the old capital Dir'aiyah. As Saudi Arabia's capital, it also acts as a perfect base to visit other Saudi Arabian cities like Jeddah, Mecca, Taif and Najran.

Riyadh will be the third new destination Cathay Pacific has launched over the past twelve months. In September last year the airline began flying to Pakistan's capital Karachi, and in March the airline commenced services to India's capital Delhi.

Details of the new Riyadh service are as follows: