Cathay reveals new flights to Hong Kong to boost fresh produce exports
Cathay Pacific is expanding its services between Hong Kong and Brisbane from four to six flights each week from December.
Heidi Walker of Walker's Seafoods (photo supplied)
The increase represented an extra 7644 seats on flights over the first year and would generate an extra $158 million for the visitor economy, the Government said.
Hong Kong is a strategic aviation hub with direct connections to key Queensland visitor source markets including the UK, Europe, India and China.
Brisbane Airport Corporation chief executive Gert-Jan de Graaff said the link between Brisbane and Hong Kong was one the most crucial for Queensland exports and the expansion of services would benefit rural producers across the state.
One potential beneficiary was Sunshine Coast-based Walker’s Seafoods, which is exploring international markets.
Heidi walker said the company had been “hamstrung” by the lack of capacity on flights.
“We don’t like trucking to Sydney, it’s not good for the product, it’s not reliable and it adds a long time and cost to the trip,” she said.
“More flights through Brisbane means we can export more, which means more employment for our staff here in the Sunshine Coast.”
Cathay Pacific acting regional manager for the southwest Pacific Sandeep Pillay said Brisbane was a key port for the airline.
