Cathay Pacific signs code share agreement to Moscow

Cathay Pacific Airways today signed a code share agreement with Aeroflot - Russian Airlines to operate services between Hong Kong and Moscow.

The agreement was signed in the Russian capital by Cathay Pacific Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive David Turnbull and Aeroflot Director General Valery Okulov. The first code share service will depart Hong Kong and Moscow on 1 June, subject to final government approval.

Both airlines will market the service but flights will be operated by Aeroflot using Boeing B767 aircraft. During the peak summer season there will be six services a week.

The flight number will be designated with both Aeroflot's "SU" and Cathay Pacific's "CX" prefix, giving Cathay Pacific passengers the benefit of through check-in and ease of transfer between the Moscow service and any other Cathay Pacific flight. 

Passengers who are members of the Asia Miles programme will be able to earn Asia Miles when they book through Cathay Pacific. Front-end passengers and members of The Marco Polo Club will also be able to enjoy the airline's award winning lounges - The Wing and The Pier - at Hong Kong International Airport during transfer and prior to the approximately ten hour flight to Moscow.

Cathay Pacific Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive David Turnbull said: "We are very happy to work with Aeroflot to offer this new service to our passengers. Moscow is a dynamic city and a prime destination for both business and leisure travellers. With our strong network across Asia we can offer passengers convenient connections through Hong Kong direct to the Russian capital and beyond."

Cathay Pacific also earlier this month announced that from 1 July it would be the only carrier to operate a daily non-stop service from Hong Kong to New York. With the airline's existing connecting service via Vancouver, Cathay Pacific will also be the only carrier to fly the Hong Kong - New York route twice daily.

Aeroflot operates to 88 points in 42 countries and in 2003 transported 5.8 million passengers. It has code shares with 20 airlines, including CSA, LOT, MALEV, Air France, and Austrian Airlines. The code share with Cathay Pacific Airways is its first in the Asia Pacific region.