On September 10, Cathay Pacific Airways announced the launch of a code-share service with Air Pacific, placing its "CX" code on the Fijian carrier's new twice-weekly flight between Hong Kong and Nadi in Fiji which commences operations on December 3, 2009.

This is the first time scheduled services have been operated between Hong Kong and Fiji, and Cathay Pacific aims to use its extensive international network to feed passengers through the Hong Kong hub to the island nation in the South West Pacific. The bulk of the traffic is expected to be holidaymakers heading to enjoy the many attractions of this well-established tourist destination.

Air Pacific currently serves 25 destinations using a modern fleet of Boeing 747, 767 and 737 aircraft and offering travel in two classes - Tabua Class (Business) and Pacific Voyager. Its network currently covers the islands of the South Pacific, Australia, New Zealand, plus destinations in the United States and Canada.

Cathay Pacific Director Corporate Development Ian Shiu said: "We are pleased to be able to join together with Air Pacific for this new service between Hong Kong and Fiji. Cathay Pacific is committed to building Hong Kong's status as a premium international aviation hub. Through this new code-share we aim to draw travellers from Hong Kong and various parts of our network - including China, North and Southeast Asia, the Indian subcontinent and Europe - to travel onwards to Fiji, at the same time attracting visitors from Fiji to Hong Kong and connecting them to the rest of the world."

Air Pacific Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer John Campbell said: "Preparations for the December 3 launch of Air Pacific flights to Hong Kong are well underway and we welcome Cathay Pacific Airways as our code-share partner on this new service. Cathay Pacific is recognised as a successful carrier with high standards of service and a strong international network. The airline's marketing and sales strength will certainly benefit the service and Fiji."

Details of the code-share service are as follows:

Cathay Pacific continues to work to build its network and further enhance Hong Kong's hub status whenever the opportunity arises. The airline launches another new destination in October when it begins a new four-times-weekly service to Jeddah in Saudi Arabia.