Cathay Pacific ramps up Perth-Hong Kong flights

Soon after its Brisbane boost, Cathay Pacific is now doubling down on flights between Perth and Hong Kong, increasing connections from three to six per week while also rolling out an aircraft change.

To that end, it’s out with the Airbus A350 and in with the Boeing 777, resulting in an extra two business class flatbeds on every flight, plus a score more premium economy and economy recliners, if that’s where you’ll be for the eight-hour journey.

Of course, the aircraft change will draw a mixed response from some, with 777s notoriously noisier and also lacking some of the A350’s refinements, which make it more pleasant to spend those eight hours sitting in a metal tube.

Regardless, the extra opportunities to jet off to Hong Kong are still worth celebrating, while also helping put downwards pressure on airfares by boosting the number of available seats.

Taking wing every day except Tuesday, CX140 jets out of Perth at 12:10am, reaching Hong Kong at 7:45am; the CX171 return leaves Hong Kong at 3:10pm those same six days, arriving into Perth at 10:50pm.

The 777 business class comprises 40 lie-flat beds in a 1-2-1 layout.

Departing Perth Terminal 1, where there are presently no international Oneworld lounges available, business class passengers instead receive access to the independent Aspire Lounge, located between Gates 53 and 54 on Level 3.

In Hong Kong, business class passengers and frequent flyers have their pick of Cathay’s five Hong Kong lounges – The Wing First (home to private cabana suites), plus The Wing Business, The Pier First, The Pier Business and The Deck, all of which will soon benefit from elevated service as the airline progressively takes over key front of house roles from contractor Sodexo.

Cathay Pacific regional exec Sandeep Pillay says the extra flights and larger aircraft “will be a huge boost to international tourism, business travel, those visiting friends and family, overseas students and demand for WA exports.”

Of course, it’s not just about flying to Hong Kong – Cathay’s extensive international network makes it a popular choice for onward flights across Asia, Europe and the UK, with the chance to break your journey in the Asian metropolis.

Elsewhere in Australia, Cathay Pacific currently offers 28 flights per week from Sydney, 18 per week from Melbourne, and six a week from Brisbane.

Additional reporting by David Flynn.