Cathay to resume NZ flights
AUCKLAND: Cathay Pacific will resume flights between Hong Kong and Auckland with two services a week starting on November 27.
The airline described it as a small but potentially significant step and the announcement came following the establishment of a full quarantinefree travel bubble between Hong Kong and Singapore.
Cathay’s Auckland flights were in addition to the Air New Zealand operated codeshare flights which would continue to work with Cathay Pacific to operate three flights a week in November and two flights a week in December.
‘‘I’m thrilled to be able to share some positive news on the return of Cathay Pacific to New Zealand skies, ’’Cathay Pacific southwest Pacific regional general manager Rakesh Raicar said.
‘‘Although far from business as usual, I’m pleased to say our return is a small but significant step.’’
Exporters would also welcome the flights as freight space out of New Zealand would be tight this summer, he said.
The airline had been operating two flights a day to Auckland as well as Christchurch services during last summer, before the pandemic struck.
Passengers flying into Auckland on the new flights would need to abide by New Zealand border controls, including reserving and securing their place in a managed isolation facility before they boarded their flight as part of the New Zealand Government’s managed isolation allocation system.
New Zealanders travelling to Hong Kong undergo a saliva test for Covid19 on arrival and are required to submit the health declaration result to the staff of the Department of Health.
‘‘Depending on the situation of the travellers, they will receive corresponding arrangements,’’ the Hong Kong government’s website says.
Cathay Pacific says face coverings will be mandatory on the flights, which will be on a Boeing 777300.
‘‘We’ve adjusted meal preparation and service, blocked seating where possible, brought in health screening and temperature checks as well as equipped counters and common areas with an antimicrobial coating to provide an invisible barrier against viruses and bacteria,’’ Mr Raicar said.
He said the airline was proud of the cleanliness of its aircraft and had been recognised by Skytrax as one of the world’s top 10 cleanest airlines for five successive years.
With reliance on international flights, Cathay Pacific has been rocked by the pandemic and has cut its workforce by a quarter or close to 8500 around the world and killed off its regional carrier, Dragon.
Both Cathay and Singapore Airlines got some good news this week with the announcement of a quarantinefree travel bubble between Hong Kong and Singapore from November 22.
Both city states have had relatively low levels of community transmission of Covid and have strict health protocols in place.
Travellers from Singapore to Hong Kong need a Covid19 test before and after flying.
Those flying from Hong Kong to Singapore will only need to have a test before departure. — The New Zealand Herald