CATHAY Pacific is set to launch the new Premium Economy Class on its Hong Kong-Mumbai service from March, and will also ramp up frequency on this route from seven to 10 weekly flights from April 2.
The Premium Economy Class has already been introduced on flights to Chennai and Delhi in 2012. The current weekly flights between Hong Kong and Mumbai are operated on a Boeing 747-400 aircraft with a four-class configuration, while the three additional flights will be operated on a three-class, Airbus A330-300 aircraft.
“Cathay Pacific will be the first East-bound airline to offer this class from Mumbai,” said Charlie Stewart-Cox, general manager-South Asia, Middle East & Africa, Cathay Pacific Airways.
Rita Dhanwatay, director of Pune-based Nikita Travel Solutions, said: “The addition of non-stop seat capacity to Hong Kong is a positive move as the destination is busy for both business and leisure.”
Rakesh Raicar, regional sales & marketing manager-South Asia, Cathay Pacific Airways, added: “Travel (consultants) and tour operators form the majority of the airline’s distribution channel in India and therefore, they are an important part of our marketing and promotional activities. This year, we plan to engage them through promotional fares and trade familiarisation trips.”
Meanwhile, sister airline Dragonair has also introduced New Business Class and New Economy Class cabins, which adopt the same designs used by Cathay Pacific for its new Regional Business Class and longhaul Economy Class products, allowing for a more consistent and harmonious inflight experience for passengers connecting between the two airlines at the Hong Kong hub.
Together, Cathay Pacific and Dragonair operate 46 weekly flights from six cities in India.
