Cathay Pacific Celebrates 30 Years in Toronto
One-stop service from Hong Kong to Toronto launched on June 9, 1994
This weekend, Cathay Pacific marks a milestone in Canada and in its history as one of the most established Asian airlines in North America: 30 years since flight CX828, a Boeing 747-400, touched down in Toronto for the first time, via Anchorage, on June 9, 1994. The launch of this one-stop service between Hong Kong and Toronto Pearson
International Airport came 11 years after the launch of nonstop Vancouver-Hong Kong services, which celebrated 40 years in 2023.
The Toronto-Hong Kong service began with three flights per week in each direction, stopping in Anchorage for refueling. Groundbreaking at the time, this flight was the quickest and most convenient way to travel between the two cities, at 16.5 hours eastbound, and 18.5 hours westbound. In November of the same year, Cathay Pacific was able to take advantage of the favorable westerly winds for a few months to offer a nonstop Toronto-Hong Kong service, cutting the flying time down to 13 hours, 45 minutes. For the first non-stop flight from Toronto, it was the first time that an Airbus aircraft had made a commercial trans-polar crossing.
Cathay Senior Vice-President, Americas, Chris van den Hooven, said: “In the 1980s and 1990s, the Boeing 747 enabled Cathay Pacific to expand its international presence throughout the world, and indeed, in Canada. Prior to Cathay Pacific’s one-stop service from Hong Kong to Toronto, passengers would have had to change aircraft at least once. The ‘Queen of the Skies’ put Cathay Pacific on the map and helped propel us into the world-class global carrier that we are today. We are incredibly thankful to the people of Toronto for their support over these past 30 years. We look forward to the next 30—and beyond.”
“We are thrilled to celebrate 30 years of connecting Canada to the world with Cathay Pacific,” says Kurush Minocher, Executive Director, Customer Experience and Airline Relations, Toronto Pearson. “Our longstanding partnership underscores our commitment to successful partnerships with carriers, and we look forward to further strengthening our ties with Cathay Pacific.”
Hong Kong Tourism Board Director – Americas, Michael Lim, said: “Congratulations to Cathay Pacific on the remarkable milestone of 30 years of service in Toronto. Cathay Pacific has served as a bridge between Hong Kong and Toronto, connecting two dynamic cities with its distinguished fleet and award-winning services. We look forward to continuing to partner with Cathay Pacific, enabling Canadians to experience Hong Kong’s vibrant culture, dining and attractions.
Cathay Pacific currently operates 14 flights per week from Toronto to Hong Kong, plus an additional 10 flights per week from Vancouver. The airline is passionate about mentoring the next generation of travel and tourism professionals and has supported the Seneca College Career Day since 2019.
To mark its anniversary, Cathay Pacific has just announced a Hong Kong-inspired afternoon tea collaboration with the Shangri-la Toronto, running from June 13-August 31. More information on the Sky-High tea can be found here.
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, experiences and hand-picked partners.
Flights are provided by Cathay Pacific, the home airline of Hong Kong and a founding member of the oneworld global alliance. The Cathay Group also comprises low-cost carrier HK Express, express all-cargo carrier Air Hong Kong and various subsidiaries. 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’re 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.cathaypacific.com
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