The additional service operated by an Airbus A330, which commences from 28 October 2018, will mean great things for South Australians, as global gateways become more accessible. Travellers will be able to take advantage of a number of connections to popular locations in North Asia, China, North America and continental Europe, including Cathay Pacific’s new Dublin route.

Operating via a split schedule* means more flexibility and ease for passengers, with an early afternoon departure from Adelaide on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday and an evening departure on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. The spread of connections into Adelaide will also boost tourism for the city and more broadly, South Australia.

South Australian Tourism Commission CEO, Rodney Harrex says, “Cathay Pacific’s announcement is great news for South Australia and our visitor economy currently worth $6.3 billion.

“Recent figures show international visitation to South Australia has reached an all-time high as visitors spent a huge $1.15 billion in our state – up 18 per cent, compared to the national average of 8 per cent.

“The new schedule will make it easier for our key markets in Europe, North America, China and Asia to reach Adelaide and improved connection times in Hong Kong will make travel to Adelaide considerably easier for these markets.

“Growing direct air access to Adelaide is critical to visitor growth and we continue to work closely with airlines to ensure domestic and international visitors have easy access to our beautiful state.”

Cathay Pacific General Manager of Southwest Pacific Rakesh Raicar says, “We are delighted to be offering more services to cater for the growing demand on this popular route from Adelaide to Hong Kong and beyond. It also reconfirms our commitment to growing tourism in South Australia”.

Cathay Pacific is committed to their growth plans in Adelaide, which were cemented with an official Port Adelaide Football Club partnership extension announced this month. The club will play an historic match against the Gold Coast Suns in Shanghai in May, which Cathay Pacific is supporting via special flight packages including flights, game tickets and the option of accommodation.

“We’re thrilled to be a Premier Partner and Port Adelaide’s official international airline for a second year. There is clear opportunity to grow tourism links between Australia and China with sports tourism and we are excited to be at the forefront of this,” says Mr Raicar.

Cathay Pacific already has strong ties to the southern state, featuring a range of world-famous South Australian exports on board, including D’Arenburg and Two Hands Wines, as well as Beerenberg jam and Maggie Beer quince paste. The luxury skincare brand Jurlique, is also featured in the Business Class amenities.

For more information on packages to the Port Adelaide FC match in Shanghai please visit, http://www.cathaypacific.com/cx/en_AU/offers/flight/pafc-shanghai-2018-packages.html

Details of the new Adelaide operating schedule from 28 October 2018 is as follows (all times local):

ADELAIDE – HONG KONG

HONG KONG - ADELAIDE