Cathay Pacific to Extend Freighter Network to Milan

Cathay Pacific Cargo today announced an expansion of its freighter network with the launch of a new twice-weekly freighter service to Milan starting 4 August 2002. It will be the first Cathay Pacific service of any kind to serve Italy's industrial capital.

The new service, operated with a Boeing 747-400F, will depart Hong Kong every Wednesday and Sunday, stopping in Delhi and London. It will return to Hong Kong non-stop from Milan every Thursday and Monday, arriving the following morning.

Cathay Pacific's freighter network currently serves 23 destinations in Asia, Middle East, Europe and North America. The airline currently has four B747-200 and five B747-400 freighters in its fleet, plus 66 passenger aircraft that also ship cargo in belly holds. In the year 2001 Cathay Pacific carried 704,000 tonnes of cargo.

From 1 July, two Boeing 747-200 freighters leased to Air Hong Kong will be returned to Cathay Pacific, boosting the freighter fleet to 11 aircraft. Air Hong Kong is a 100%-owned Cathay Pacific subsidiary.

Cathay Pacific will, also from 1 July, take over operation of former Air Hong Kong freighter services to Brussels and Manchester as part of a previously announced restructuring of operations within the Group in which Air Hong Kong will focus on developing a network in Asia. Manchester will be served by six flights a week via Dubai, and Brussels by five flights via Dubai and Manchester.

Cathay Pacific General Manager Cargo Kenny Tang said: "Cathay Pacific's new Milan service meets a clear market-led opportunity. Italy is already Hong Kong's twelfth-largest trading partner with business last year worth almost US$5 billion. This service will enhance trade flows between the two places and strengthen Hong Kong's position as the world's busiest international cargo airport.

He added: "Cathay Pacific taking over Air Hong Kong's flights to Brussels and Manchester will enable both airlines to build on their strengths and, overall, make more cost-effective use of Group resources."

Details of the Milan service are as follows:

Cathay Pacific Airways
Corporate Communication Department