On March 12, Cathay Pacific Airways announced it will move its operations in Beijing to the new Terminal 3 at Beijing Capital International Airport at the end of the month, providing improved facilities for passengers on its flights to and from Hong Kong.

The airline will switch to the new terminal commencing March 26, with passengers on its daily flight checking in at aisle C. The airline will have access to a greater number of check-in counters to provide a smoother and hassle free travel experience for passengers flying to Hong Kong.

Another benefit will be the opening of a new lounge - the Dragonair and Cathay Pacific Lounge - for First and Business Class passengers of both airlines and Silver members or above of the Marco Polo Club frequent flyer programme. The lounge will adopt the best features of the two airlines' lounges in terms of design and layout.

Cathay Pacific Director Service Delivery Quince Chong said: "The new Terminal 3 in Beijing is a state-of-the-art facility on a par with the best terminals in the world. We are excited about being able to operate from the new terminal and is in the process to further improve the service we offer to our passengers. The move will also bring us closer to our sister airline Dragonair and the other carriers in the oneworld alliance that fly into Beijing."

As it will take longer for passengers to go from check-in to boarding gate due to the sheer size of the terminal, Cathay Pacific's check-in counters will close 60 minutes before departure, instead of the usual 40 minutes.

The move to the new terminal takes place in two stages. A number of airlines, including some oneworld carriers, relocated on February 29 while the rest, including Dragonair and Cathay Pacific, will move operations with effect from March 26.