Monday, March 30, 2026 [Hong Kong] – Today, Cathay Pacific celebrated the launch of its nonstop passenger flights between Seattle‑Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) with five‑times‑weekly service. The new route marks Cathay Pacific’s seventh passenger destination in the United States and ninth in North America, and is the only nonstop flight connecting the Pacific Northwest region of the United States and Hong Kong.

Cathay Pacific is consistently recognized among the world’s leading airlines, ranked in the top three globally by Skytrax, named World’s Best Economy Class Airline for the second consecutive year, and awarded World’s Best Inflight Entertainment for the second time in three years.

The launch coincides with Cathay’s 80th anniversary, commemorating eight decades of connecting its home city, people, and customers since 1946. As part of the celebrations, the inaugural flight from Hong Kong to Seattle was operated by a special-edition Airbus A350 aircraft featuring Cathay’s heritage-inspired livery. The design incorporates the airline’s iconic “lettuce leaf sandwich” stripes and 80th anniversary year mark, paying tribute to Cathay’s storied legacy while symbolizing its continued evolution and ambition.

Cathay Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Lavinia Lau said: “As we celebrate ‘80 Years Together’ connecting Hong Kong with the world, the launch of our Seattle service highlights the deepening ties between two global centers of innovation, culture, and commerce. Seattle’s spirit of creativity and entrepreneurship mirrors Hong Kong’s own energy, making this route especially meaningful for us.

“Through the Cathay Group’s investment of well over HK$100 billion into our fleet, cabin products, lounges, and digital innovation, we are committed to offering customers a seamless and elevated travel experience whether they are traveling to Hong Kong or connecting to onward destinations through our global network covering more than 100 destinations worldwide. This new service not only enhances connectivity for business and leisure travelers, but also reinforces our role in supporting Hong Kong’s position as a leading international aviation hub.”

Port of Seattle Sam Cho said: “Direct service from Seattle to Hong Kong is back, and we couldn’t be more thrilled. This connection opens exciting opportunities for both business and leisure travelers, strengthening ties between our regions and expanding access for our community.”

The Hong Kong–Seattle service is operated by Cathay Pacific’s Airbus A350-900 aircraft, offering fully flat beds in Business class, spacious seating in Premium Economy, and enhanced comfort in Economy. Flight schedules are as follows (all times local):

March 30 – May 31, 2026; September 16 – October 24, 2026

June 1 – September 15, 2026

The new five-times-weekly service reinforces Cathay Pacific’s commitment to strengthening travel between Hong Kong and North America. The airline’s award-winning Aria Suite Business class, all-new Premium Economy and refreshed Economy cabins are now available on select flights to and from Hong Kong and Vancouver, and between Hong Kong and San Francisco, with Los Angeles joining from April. In 2026, Cathay Pacific will open its first-ever dedicated airport lounge in New York — a nearly 10,000-square-foot flagship space — as part of its move to John F. Kennedy International Airport’s new Terminal 6.

Aboard Cathay Pacific, customers across all cabins can enjoy 100% seatback inflight entertainment, recognized by Skytrax as the World’s Best Inflight Entertainment. Customers can stay connected in the sky with 100% Wi-Fi connectivity across the entire fleet, which is complimentary for Cathay Diamond and Gold members, as well as First and Business class customers, and Cathay members traveling in Premium Economy. Travelers can also dine in style with inflight menus created in collaboration with Michelin-starred Hong Kong restaurants across every cabin on long-haul flights from Hong Kong, complemented by thoughtfully curated beverage selections, including an impressive selection of Chinese wines.

The Seattle service complements Cathay Pacific’s 2026 North America summer schedule, which includes close to 120 return flights per week to Boston, Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Seattle, Toronto, and Vancouver.

Cathay Pacific’s new Seattle passenger route also enhances options for cargo customers. Belly capacity on the A350 complements the nearly 40 weekly freighter flights Cathay Cargo will operate to North America during the summer peak.

For more information on Cathay Pacific, please visit www.cathaypacific.com.

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About Cathay Pacific

Premium full-service airline Cathay Pacific is the home carrier of Hong Kong with eight decades of history and is a founding member of the oneworld global alliance. Cathay also comprises the cargo division Cathay Cargo, low-cost carrier HK Express, and its lifestyle business. For more information, please visit www.cathaypacific.com.