Cathay Pacific launches ‘upstream’ check in service on Chinese Mainland
Cathay Pacific Airways today checked in its first passenger taking a flight from Hong Kong International Airport – at a Chinese Mainland ferry pier in Shekou. Baggage was checked, a boarding pass issued and customs and immigration were cleared, allowing the passenger to step straight from the ferry to their flight, stopping only for some leisurely duty free shopping.
This first ever “upstream” airline check-in service strengthens Hong Kong’s role as a gateway to the Chinese Mainland and a global aviation hub by creating seamless connections between the Pearl River Delta (PRD) region and international flights at Chek Lap Kok airport. Passengers using the service can check in at Shekou for any Cathay Pacific flight to more than 90 destinations worldwide.
Cathay Pacific Director Service Delivery Quince Chong said: “Cathay Pacific has pioneered through-check services for passengers to and from the Chinese Mainland for more than 10 years. The launch of the check-in service in Shekou marks another significant milestone in our continuous effort to strengthen sea-to-air transportation links between Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland, and bolster Hong Kong’s status as the global aviation hub and the predominant gateway to the Mainland.”
Ms Chong added: “Flying Cathay Pacific has never been easier for Pearl River Delta passengers. The SkyLink service makes Hong Kong the home airport for passengers in Shekou, and we hope in other key cities soon. We are bringing our international flight services a great deal closer to our passengers in the Delta region, expanding our catchment area in the Chinese Mainland and making flying via Hong Kong a convenient ‘one-stop service’ by streamlining customs procedures.”
The service, which formally commenced today at the Shekou Passenger Ferry Terminal in Shenzhen, is provided by SkyLink Passenger Services Company, a joint venture between Cathay Pacific, the Hong Kong Airport Authority and Hong Kong International Airport Services.
About one million Mainland passengers use the sea-to-air connection every year. An estimated 300,000 passengers will use the upstream check-in services at Shekou each year – and one third of them will fly from Hong Kong on Cathay Pacific.
There are 12 ferry services from Shekou to Hong Kong airport each day and plans to extend the upstream check-in services to Macau, Fuyong (Shenzhen), Zhongshan and Dongguan.
Ferry services from these cities in the PRD to the airport have been in operation since September 2003. Check-in and immigration formalities were handled at the Hong Kong airport SkyPier terminal. The new upstream check-in service will save passengers the trouble of having to claim their bags for check-in at the airport ferry pier and speed up the process of transiting to their flight.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Carolyn Leung, Corp Comm Mgr, Public Affairs, (852) 2747-5393 or 7901 5393
Maria Yu, Corp Comm Mgr, Media Relations, (852) 2747-5363 or 7901 5368
