Cathay Pacific returns to Rome this summer as its 12th European destination.
Cathay Pacific will resume direct flights to Rome, Italy, on June 12, making it the carrier’s second destination in Italy and 12th in Europe.
Seasonal service to Rome.
The Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)-based airline will operate a thrice-weekly service from Hong Kong to Rome Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport (FCO) starting June 12.
Cathay Pacific’s flights to Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) will expand daily during the summer months, supplementing the current five weekly flights.
“Visitors to Rome can look forward to exploring one of Europe’s most impressive historical and cultural centres with the city boasting countless monuments, landmarks, museums and churches.”
Cathay Pacific stated that its return to Rome will be particularly timely because the city will be celebrating the Catholic Church’s Jubilee in 2025, which occurs every 25 years. Rome and Vatican City will hold festivities throughout the year to commemorate the anniversary.
40-year history.
Cathay Pacific’s chief customer and commercial officer, Lavinia Lau, said that the airline’s history in Italy dates back to 1986, when it first inaugurated direct services between Hong Kong and Rome.
“We know our customers have been eagerly anticipating the return of this route, and we are delighted to be returning to Italy’s marvellous capital this summer.”
Lau went on to say that whether passengers are traveling for business, leisure, or the Jubilee celebrations, the airline is looking forward to greeting them on board and providing them with world-class service.
Cathay Pacific will fly the route with the Airbus A350-900, which features fully flat beds in business class, large seats in premium economy, and comfortable economy seats.
While flights are still pending government clearances, Cathay Pacific flight CX293 is scheduled to depart Hong Kong at 00:45 local time (UTC +8) and arrive in the Italian capital at 7:50 local time (UTC +2).
The return flight, CX292, will depart Rome-Fiumicino at 11:45 and arrive at Hong Kong International at 5:20 the following day. Flights will operate on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
According to Cirium’s Diio Mi airline planning system, Cathay Pacific last served Rome in February 2020, shortly before international travel was halted due to the pandemic. Prior to 2020, the airline flew between the two cities on a daily basis during the summer months, but just four times a week otherwise. June generally saw six weekly flights on the route.
100 destination target.
Cathay Pacific stated that its priority was to introduce additional flights and destinations for its customers as it continued its post-pandemic recovery. The airline and its low-cost affiliate, HK Express, hope to help revive Hong Kong’s prominence as a worldwide aviation hub.
“The Group has now confirmed six locations that will join its global passenger network by 2025, with more to follow. Cathay Pacific plans to introduce direct flights to Hyderabad, Dallas, Munich, and Brussels this year, in addition to Rome. HK Express, the Group’s low-cost carrier, will also launch flights to Sendai in January.
The business determined that Cathay Pacific and HK Express should serve 100 destinations by the end of the year. According to its 2019 report, the company flew to 119 destinations, including those operated by its defunct affiliate Cathay Dragon.
