Cathay Pacific Airways today announced plans to fly to Moscow, capital of the Russian Federation. The airline is in the process of applying to the relevant authorities and looks forward to finalising flight details as soon as the regulatory approvals are in place.

Cathay Pacific Chief Executive Tony Tyler said: "Moscow has been on our radar screen for some time now. This planned addition to our network underlines Cathay Pacific's commitment to develop new markets, and our ongoing work to strengthen Hong Kong as one of the world's leading international aviation hubs.

"We expect Moscow will develop quickly as a prime destination for business and leisure travellers from this part of the world.

"Our strong network will enable us to offer great connections for travellers from Moscow through the Hong Kong hub to our Southeast Asian destinations and to Mainland China with our sister airline Dragonair.

"Travel demand between the two cities is showing substantial growth thanks in no small part to the visa-free access enjoyed by passport holders of the HKSAR and the Russian Federation."

Subject to regulatory approval, Cathay Pacific plans to operate a thrice-weekly service to Moscow with Airbus A340-300 aircraft in a two-class configuration featuring Cathay Pacific's acclaimed long-haul Business Class product. The intended new service is planned to begin this summer.

Cathay Pacific currently has a code share arrangement with the Russian national carrier Aeroflot on the Hong Kong-Moscow route.