Dragonair to launch flights to Tokyo

Dragonair has announced plans to launch services to Tokyo's Narita Airport on April 2, with five flights a week initially being operated to the Japanese capital.

"Tokyo is a major business hub and a popular leisure destination, so we are looking forward to expanding the flight options available on the route for all travellers," said Chief Executive Officer Stanley Hui.

"Initially we will operate daily except Wednesdays and Saturdays linking these two world cities. The timings of our flights will be particularly attractive to travellers from Hong Kong, giving them the opportunity to make the most of their time in Japan."

The route will be served by Airbus A330s, with 54 Business Class and 230 Economy Class seats, and will also carry freight.

"Tokyo is one of the top five destination cities from Hong Kong," Mr. Hui said. "We believe this is a good year to launch the service, as Japan recently unveiled its 'Visit Japan Campaign', with the aim of doubling the number of tourists who visit the country by 2010."

Japan is not a new destination for Dragonair. The airline operates a freighter service to Osaka.

"Dragonair has the expertise and infrastructure in place in Japan to launch the flights in the second quarter," said Mr. Hui.

Tokyo will be the second capital city that the airline has added to its network in as many years, following on from the start of services to Bangkok on November 1, 2003.

Said Mr. Hui: "Dragonair's horizons are expanding, and we will be continuing to look for growth opportunities going forward."