03 Sep 2003

Cathay Pacific to Launch Freighter Service to Osaka

Cathay Pacific Airways today announced that it will launch its first freighter service to Osaka, strengthening its presence in the key Japan cargo market. The weekly service will operate every Saturday, starting 6 September 2003.

The Boeing 747 freighter service will add to cargo capacity currently available in the belly holds of the 25 weekly passenger services that Cathay Pacific already operates to Osaka each week.

Japan is one of the airline's principal cargo markets alongside Europe and North America, with outbound shipments dominated by electrical components bound for places such as the Chinese Mainland. Leading Japanese airfreight imports include assembled electronic goods and frozen seafood.

Cathay Pacific's associate all-cargo carrier Air Hong Kong currently operates two freighter services each week to Osaka and five weekly overnight services to Tokyo. Air Hong Kong's services will remain unchanged. Cathay Pacific also operates seven weekly freighter services to and from Tokyo.

Cathay Pacific General Manager Cargo Kenny Tang said: "Operating our first direct freighter service to Osaka is important for us as it will strengthen our product in Japan and complement freighter services operated by Air Hong Kong. This new service demonstrates that Cathay Pacific is committed to better serving the cargo community by enhancing our network and schedule."

Cathay Pacific Airways
Corporate Communication Department