Dragonair today launched new services to Hongqiao International Airport in Shanghai.

The Hongqiao service is a daily flight from Hong Kong operated by an Airbus A330 aircraft (refer to the Appendix I for the detailed schedule). With 16 daily flights between Pudong and Hong Kong, Dragonair now offers passengers the widest selection of travel options between Hong Kong and Shanghai, strengthening its role as a major carrier between Mainland China and Hong Kong.

Dragonair started operating chartered flights to Shanghai in 1988, and moved its operation to Pudong International Airport in October 2002.

The service to Hongqiao International Airport will take passengers closer to the city centre with connections to an extensive transportation network, including direct links to the high-speed railway, mass public transport and highways.

The new service follows an agreement between the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) and the HKSAR Government in July to add Shanghai Hongqiao as a destination for scheduled air services between Hong Kong and Mainland China.

The inaugural ceremony was hosted by Dragonair Chief Executive Officer Mr. James Tong. The guests of honour were Mr. Hu Ya Ming, Deputy Director General East China Regional Administration of Civil Aviation, Mr. Wang Guangdi, Vice President Shanghai Airport Authority, Mr. Patrick Chan, Director Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Shanghai HKSAR and Ms. Vivian Cheung, Deputy Vice President Shanghai-Hong Kong Airport Management Company Limited.

The event was celebrated with a lion dance performance followed by ribbon cutting and cake-cutting ceremonies. Every passenger on the inaugural flight between Hongqiao and Hong Kong also received a special commorative gift.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Tong said: "The launch of regular services between Hongqiao International Airport and Hong Kong International Airport marks an important milestone in the 25 years of Dragonair's history and highlights the airline's long-term commitment to linking Mainland China to Hong Kong.

"The new service further strengthens the trade and economic ties between the two cities. This will help to ensure Hong Kong retains its position as the major gateway to Mainland China, bringing greater convenience to travellers especially business travellers."

An inaugural ceremony was held to mark the launch of Dragonair's new service to Hongqiao. Pictured at the ceremony are (from left to right): Dragonair General Manager China Mr. Sam Swire, Vice President Shanghai Airport authority Mr. Wang Guangdi, Dragonair Chief Executive Officer Mr. James Tong, and Deputy Director General East China Regional administration of Civil Aviation Mr. Hu Ya Ming.

Dragonair, an affiliate member of oneworld, is a Hong Kong-based airline operating a fleet of 31 passenger aircraft and serving 29 regional destinations, including 17 cities in Mainland China. Dragonair has been recognised for its product and service quality, and was voted "World's Best Regional Airline" in the annual World Airline Survey run by Skytrax in 2010. Dragonair is part of the Cathay Pacific Group, providing seamless connectivity for passengers to more than 110 cities around the globe.

Dragonair web site: www.dragonair.com

Appendix I:
The flight schedule from Hongqiao to Hong Kong is as follows#:

* Dragonair's sister airline Cathay Pacific codeshares on the service
# Flight times valid until 30 October 2010. The winter schedule will apply thereafter.