15 Oct 2001

Cathay Pacific to Launch New Service to Sapporo

Cathay Pacific Airways will launch a twice-weekly non-stop service between Hong Kong and the Japanese city of Sapporo starting on 2 December. The new service will increase the number of Cathay Pacific flights between Hong Kong and Japan to 83 a week, further enhancing Hong Kong's position as Asia's leading aviation centre.

Sapporo is located on the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido and is one of Japan's most popular leisure destinations. It is renowned for a wealth of natural and cultural attractions including the February snow festival, ski resorts that have hosted the Winter Olympic Games, and hot springs that draw millions of visitors each year. In the summer Sapporo's attractions include hiking, camping and golfing.

"We are delighted to announce this direct service between Hong Kong and Sapporo," Cathay Pacific's Director and Chief Operating Officer Philip Chen said. "We are investing our resources carefully to maintain long-term competitiveness, and we believe the Hong Kong-Sapporo route will be very successful. The new service will enhance our network to Japan and help promote tourism in Hong Kong. Hong Kong has always been popular with Japanese visitors and now getting here from Sapporo will be much more convenient."

Details of the new service are as follows:

Flight	Route	Departure	Arrival	Days
CX580	Hong Kong - Sapporo	10:40am	4:05pm	Thu /Sun
CX581	Sapporo - Hong Kong	5:20pm	10:05pm	Thu /Sun

These flights are open for booking immediately. Passengers can book through their travel agent, Cathay Pacific reservations, or the Cathay Pacific Website.

Japanese routes have formed a core element of Cathay Pacific's network since the airline first began flying to the country in 1959. With the addition of Sapporo, Cathay Pacific will fly to five Japanese destinations namely Fukuoka, Nagoya, Osaka, Sapporo and Tokyo.

Cathay Pacific Airways announced the launch of its direct service between Hong Kong and Sapporo at a ceremony held in Cathay Pacific City. In front (from left) Ms. Mutsuko Suematsu, Director, Japan National Tourist Organization, Mr. Philip Chen, Director and Chief Operating Officer, Cathay Pacific Airways and Ms. Selina Chow, Chairman, Hong Kong Tourism Board. On the back (from left) 6 Cathay Pacific cabin crew in traditional kimonos, 2 cabin crew in Cathay uniforms and 2 Sapporo Soran dancers.

Cathay Pacific Airways announced the launch of its direct service between Hong Kong and Sapporo at a ceremony held in Cathay Pacific City. In front (from left) Ms. Mutsuko Suematsu, Director, Japan National Tourist Organization, Ms. Selina Chow, Chairman, Hong Kong Tourism Board and Mr. Philip Chen, Director and Chief Operating Officer, Cathay Pacific Airways. On the back (from left) 6 Cathay Pacific cabin crew in traditional kimonos, 2 cabin crew in Cathay uniforms and 2 Sapporo Soran dancers.

Cathay Pacific Airways
Corporate Communication Department