Cathay Pacific has announced it will increase its number of weekly flights from Hong Kong to Brisbane by 50% to cater for additional tourists and rising Queensland exports delivered through the critical gateway to Asia.

From 1 December 2023, Cathay Pacific will increase its services from four flights per week to six, helping to support jobs for 840 Queenslanders.

Cathay Pacific is the only airline flying between Brisbane and the trade gateway of Hong Kong.

The deal is the 23rd win for Queensland’s $200 million Attracting Aviation Investment Fund, jointly supported by the Queensland Government and the state’s international airports and is designed to fast-track the recovery of Queensland’s economy.

Queensland Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the economic benefits of the Palaszczuk Government’s partnership with Queensland’s four international airports were far reaching.

For Sunshine Coast seafood exporters, Walker Seafoods, the expansion is terrific news. The company employs 50 locals with high-value product exported to the United States and Japan via Hong Kong.

Cathay Pacific will operate the increased services on flight CX156 every day from Friday to Wednesday departing from Brisbane at 00:55 and arriving in Hong Kong at 07:30. The return flight CX157 will operate every day from Thursday to Tuesday departing from Hong Kong at 13:10 and arriving in Brisbane at 23:35, all using a Boeing 777-300ER.