Cathay Pacific Airways celebrated the launch of its latest destination yesterday (13 July) with a new three-times-weekly service to Russia's capital city, Moscow. Flights to and from Domodedovo International Airport (DME) are operated using an Airbus A340-300 aircraft fitted with the airline's innovative new cabins.

Speaking at the ribbon-cutting ceremony at Domodedovo International Airport, Cathay Pacific's Director Corporate Affairs, Quince Chong, said: "We believe the new service will bring closer business, tourism, culture and personal ties of friendship between Moscow and Hong Kong."

Ms Chong told the media that the airline has been looking for opportunities to enter the Russian market for many years and regards the new service as a real milestone in its operations. "We have long recognised the huge potential associated with Russia. The new service underscores our long-term commitment to growing our already extensive network, offering quality services to our customers, and helping to boost the status of Hong Kong as Asia's premier aviation hub," she added.

Ms Chong and the crew on the first flight into DME were warmly welcomed upon their arrival with the Russian "Bread & Salt" tradition. This tradition is to welcome respected and valued guests and involves a loaf of bread being placed on a rushnik, an embroidered towel. A salt cellar is placed on top of the bread and presented by young women dressed in national costume as a gesture of the host country's hospitality.

All passengers on board the first flights from both Hong Kong and Moscow were presented with souvenirs to mark the service launch.

The crew joins the celebration at Domodedovo International Airport.

Cathay Pacific's Director Corporate Affairs Quince Chong (third from left) together with Julian Lyden, Cathay Pacific Country Manager Germany & Eastern Europe (second from left), Patrick Garrett, Country Manager Russia (second from right) and Chris Kempis, Chief Pilot, Airbus (third from right) celebrate the launch of the new three-times-weekly service between Hong Kong and Moscow.

Cathay Pacific's Director Corporate Affairs Quince Chong receives a warm welcome upon arrival at Domodedovo International Airport with the traditional Russian "Bread & Salt" greeting.

Cathay Pacific's Director Corporate Affairs Quince Chong (left) presents an Airbus A340-300 aircraft model to Mr. Nekrasov, Director of Domodedovo International Airport, to mark the airline's new service to Russia's capital city.