Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific has launched direct passenger flights to Riyadh. The airline will operate three weekly flights from its primary base to the capital of Saudi Arabia on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Flight CX647 will depart from Hong Kong and arrive in Riyadh at 16:25 and 21:35, respectively. Those travelling the other way will board flight CX648, which will leave Riyadh at 23:35 and land in Hong Kong at 12:30 the next day. All times mentioned are local. An Airbus A350-900, boasting a three-class cabin (Business, Premium Economy and Economy), will ferry passengers on this route.

In addition to expanding Cathay Pacific’s network, the new route deepens trade, business, and cultural ties between Hong Kong and the countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative. Moreover, it allows Middle East passengers to connect to the Chinese mainland and beyond.

While the passenger flights have begun now, Cathay Cargo has been offering freighter services between Hong Kong and Riyadh since 2021. Those who want to travel to the Middle East from Hong Kong can also opt for the airline’s daily direct service to Dubai, UAE.

Also Read: Cathay Pacific Announces A New Route To The USA

Just before October 2024 ended, airBaltic launched flights to two new destinations for the winter season from its hub in Vilnius. The first is a direct service to Oslo Torp, Norway, which joined the airline’s network on October 28. The second is a nonstop connection to Dusseldorf, Germany, which came into action on October 31. airBaltic will operate two weekly flights on both new routes, with one-side fares starting at EUR 29 to Oslo Torp and EUR 49 to Dusseldorf.

As with all airBaltic services aboard the A220-300 aircraft, passengers will have two seating options – Economy and Business Class. One-side fares in the latter category start at EUR 179 and EUR 225 for the Norwegian and German destinations, respectively. In addition to comfier seating, Business Class passengers enjoy priority check-in and boarding, a front-of-cabin seat with a free seat for enhanced privacy, a gourmet meal, a choice of beverages, and early deboarding.

The airline will launch seven new routes from Vilnius in the summer of 2025. Around the same time, it will introduce four new routes from Riga and five from Tallinn.

At the Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s newest airline, Riyadh Air, became Airbus’ latest customer. The carrier placed a firm order for 60 A321neo family aircraft. The multi-billion-dollar deal will help Saudi Arabia achieve its decarbonisation goals. Moreover, the airline aims to generate 200,000 jobs and connect to 100 destinations by the decade’s end. That’s quite a target, considering the airline’s maiden flight is scheduled for 2025.

With the latest order, Riyadh Air has 132 aircraft on order. The A321neo is the largest member of the A320neo family. It offers a 50 per cent reduction in noise and a 20 per cent decrease in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions compared to previous-gen single-aisle aircraft. That’s courtesy of its new engines and Sharklets. The aircraft is among the most popular worldwide, with Airbus receiving orders for 6,700 by over 90 operators.

Also Read: Iberia Becomes The Launch Operator Of The New Airbus Jet

In a bid to increase its presence in China, Air Canada has made an announcement regarding its routes to two destinations. First, beginning December 7, 2024, the flag carrier of Canada will increase its services to Shanghai from Vancouver to daily. Presently, the airline operates four weekly flights on the said route. The flight timings, however, will remain unchanged.

Second, starting January 15, 2025, the airline will resume its direct service to Beijing from Vancouver. The outbound flight – AC029 – will depart from Vancouver at 11:40 and arrive in Beijing at 17:00 the next day. The return service – AC030 – will leave Beijing and land in Vancouver at 18:55 and 14:05, respectively. All times mentioned are local. A Boeing 787 Dreamliner will ferry passengers to and from Shanghai and Beijing.

Also Read: There’s Now A Codeshare Agreement Between airBaltic And Air Canada