The new service, which complements Cathay Dragon’s existing three weekly flights to nearby Guilin, is operated by Airbus A320 aircraft in a two-class configuration.

At a ceremony held at Nanning Wuyu International Airport yesterday, Cathay Pacific Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Paul Loo said: “We are very pleased to provide this new service to Nanning, our second destination in Guangxi. This region is the cradle of the historic Maritime Silk Road and plays an important role in the Belt and Road Initiative.

“Together, Cathay Pacific and Cathay Dragon operate flights from Hong Kong to 24 cities in mainland China – and we are committed to developing our Chinese network yet further. Our aim is to always provide our customers with the highest level of products and services – both on the ground and in the air – and to offer greater convenience and a superior flying experience.”

Mr Loo also expressed his gratitude to the ceremony’s guest of honour, Mr Zhang Xiaoqin, Vice Chairman of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

In addition to connecting passengers from around the world into culturally diverse Nanning, the latest destination launch will offer passengers from Guangxi and the surrounding regions with more options when connecting to Cathay Dragon’s extensive regional network and the international network of Cathay Pacific through Hong Kong.