Cathay Pacific is flying high, resuming direct fights to Rome Fiumicino and investing in services, destinations and new lounges.
“By the end of the year, we will be flying to 100 destinations”
“From our Hong Kong hub, Cathay Pacific and low-cost airline HK Express operate direct flights to 75 destinations worldwide, including Japan, Australia, Asia and New Zealand, providing convenient connections for our Italian customers travelling for business or pleasure. By the end of the year, we will be flying to 100 destinations,” said Paul Johannes, vice president customer travel and lifestyle Europe.
Cathay Pacific will have 100 aircraft in two years
Cathay's lifestyle is a mood and a way of life that begins on board and ends with the travel experience. “We are investing HK$100 million in our fleet over the next two years, with the aim of expanding and modernizing it, reaching 100 aircraft and further raising the standards of travel on board.”
40 years on the Italian market
Italy remains an important market for the airline, which has been flying here for almost 40 years and is now returning to strengthen its operations. From 5 June, it will resume flights to Rome with three weekly flights on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays, in addition to daily flights to Milan, which are likely to remain permanent throughout the year.
Premium economy is planned on the B777s
There are east connections from Hong Kong and high load factors with the use of B777 and A350 900 aircraft on long-haul routes. New booking classes are planned, including premium economy on B777s. The load factor was up 36% in April 2025 compared to the same month in 2024, with a load factor of 86% and Japan's boom taking the lion's share.
New and redesigned lounges
With four lounges in Hong Kong, one in London, one soon to open in Paris and New York, there are also lounges in Tokyo, Bangkok, Shanghai, the Philippines and the Middle East. In the first phase of Cathay's lounge improvement plan, The Bridge reopened in Hong Kong on 7 May, redesigned and featuring a range of new features. The Wing, First will close on 23 May and reopen in 2026, followed by The Wing, Business. The Deck is also undergoing renovation and will serve as a temporary lounge for First Class during the renovation of The Wing.
