Cathay Pacific Extends Freighter Network with Launch of New Service to Bengaluru

Cathay Pacific Airways today announced that it will further extend its freighter network with the launch of a new service to Bengaluru (Bangalore) in India. The twice-weekly service commences on 1 August and will operate every Monday and Thursday on a Hong Kong-Delhi-Bengaluru-Hong Kong routing.

The launch of the new service, operated by Boeing 747-400F aircraft, will reinforce Cathay Pacific's position as one of the biggest freighter operators in India, with 20 flights a week to, from or through four major commercial cities: Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and now Bengaluru.

For flights into Bengaluru, the airline expects to see strong interest from China and countries in Northeast Asia for shipments of computers, computer components, high-value electronic goods, integrated circuits/semi-conductors and garments. The main markets out of Bengaluru will be Japan and North America, with shipments of cars, auto parts, pharmaceuticals, garments and textiles.

Cathay Pacific Director Cargo Nick Rhodes said: "India is an increasingly important market for our cargo business and we are pleased to be able to extend our coverage in the country through the launch of a freighter service to Bengaluru. This new service will enhance Cathay's presence in India."

In addition to the new destination, Cathay Pacific also recently boosted cargo ties between India and Europe by launching a twice-weekly direct freighter service from Chennai to Frankfurt. The freighters continue onwards to either Manchester or Brussels, providing access to three European destinations from South India.

Cathay Pacific is one of the world's biggest airfreight operators with a strong commitment to developing its home city, Hong Kong, as a major international cargo hub. In addition to strengthening its freighter network and fleet, the airline is also building a HK$5.5 billion cargo terminal at Hong Kong International Airport, due to open in early 2013.