This month, Cathay Pacific celebrates a milestone in the United States and in its history as one of the most established Asian airlines in North America. Twenty years ago on July 1, 2004, flights CX830 and CX831, operated by an Airbus A340-600, marked the beginning of the airline’s then twice-daily nonstop route between New York City and Hong Kong. For two decades, Cathay Pacific has proudly offered customers flying between New York and Hong Kong premium service and enhanced connectivity between two of the world’s greatest cities.

Prior to regular services between New York City and Hong Kong, Cathay Pacific’s first one-off nonstop flight between the cities departed on July 5, 1998, as part of Hong Kong International Airport’s debut in Chek Lap Kok. The Cathay Pacific CX889 “Polar One” flight, operated by a Boeing 747-400 by Captains Paul Horsting, Mike Lowes, Steve Monaghan, and First Officer Kelvin Ma, was the world’s first nonstop commercial flight from New York to Hong Kong over the North Pole. This transpolar flight flew over American, Canadian, Russian and Mongolian airspace enroute to Hong Kong, becoming the furthest nonstop commercial service in history at the time.

Cathay Pacific’s current route service between New York City and Hong Kong began in 2004 with twice daily flights in both directions. At the time, the flight was the first and only nonstop service connecting the two financial centers, with the eastbound flight set at 14.6 hours and westbound at 16.5 hours.

Cathay Senior Vice President, Americas, Chris van den Hooven said: “Flight CX889 was a monumental achievement in aviation and Cathay Pacific history, paving the way for the introduction of our nonstop route between Hong Kong and New York City in 2004. Today, we proudly offer three daily nonstop flights from JFK to Hong Kong, providing our esteemed customers with one of the most important international flight routes, alongside our premier service and enhanced experience.”

Hong Kong Tourism Board Director of the Americas Michael Lim said: “Cathay Pacific and Hong Kong Tourism Board have enjoyed a long-standing partnership, and we extend our congratulations to them on this significant milestone celebrating twenty years of nonstop service between New York and Hong Kong. As our valued partner, Cathay Pacific has been instrumental in connecting North American travelers to Hong Kong, showcasing an array of exciting experiences to discover, savor, and enjoy along the way all while ensuring the most comfortable journey. Together we look forward to continuing to welcome business and leisure travelers and showcasing the best of Hong Kong to the world.”

Cathay Pacific currently operates three daily return flights between New York City and Hong Kong. First class services between the two cities recently resumed on March 31, 2024 aboard one of the airline’s signature long-haul aircraft, the Boeing 777-300ER.

Upon the opening of Terminal 6 at John F. Kennedy International Airport in 2026, Cathay Pacific will be among the first group of carriers to operate out of the new terminal. The airline will open a nearly 10,000-square-foot lounge in Terminal 6, which will be Cathay Pacific’s second dedicated lounge in the United States, in addition to its current outpost at San Francisco International Airport.

Cathay Pacific was recently recognized as the 5^th best airline in the world according to passengers within the Skytrax World Airline Awards 2024. ​ Passengers also voted Cathay Pacific the World’s Best Economy Class Airline and World’s Cleanest Airline.

About Cathay

Cathay is a premium travel lifestyle brand that brings together all that we love about travel with everyday lifestyle. The range of products and services includes flights, holidays, shopping, dining, wellness and payment. All our travel lifestyle offerings are designed to bring customers exciting offers, rewards, and experiences with hand -picked partners.

Flights are provided by Hong Kong's home carrier Cathay Pacific, a premium full-service airline and a founding member of the oneworld global alliance. Cathay also includes the Group's cargo division Cathay Cargo, and low -cost carrier Hk Express. We are a member of the Swire Group and are listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKSE) as a public company.

For more than seven decades, Cathay Pacific has been connecting our home city of Hong Kong to the world. Now we are bringing that connection to more of our customers' lives. The new era of Cathay elevates their every bite, tap, step, stay and flight to greater heights. www.cathay.com