appConfigEntityId

bodyType

customContents

entityId

entityUuid

isVideo

articlePageQuery

article

articleSchemaContent

content

hooksArticlePageAdvertisementConfigArticle

hooksArticlePageFloatingButtonConfigArticle

appConfig

filter

json

liveArticle

Eric Jiang

Qatar Airways has set up its new regional cargo office in Hong Kong, with the city’s transport minister using the occasion to reveal a local airline would soon announce the launch of direct flights to Central Asia.
Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan dropped the hint, but did not name the airline, while attending the opening ceremony for Qatar Airways’ regional cargo office and witnessing the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the carrier and the Airport Authority.
She said the local carrier would announce on Thursday that it was launching flights to Kazakhstan’s largest city, Almaty, to expand Hong Kong’s flight network.
“Capitalising on the opportunities brought by the [three-runway system] and the country’s support for the “Air Silk Road”, the [Hong Kong government] will continue to forge closer ties in air services with global aviation partners, with priority focus on regions with further development potential and new growth areas, such as South America, Central Asia, Africa and the Middle East,” she said.
The South China Morning Post has learned that local flag carrier Cathay Pacific Airways will be the airline behind the coming announcement.
Cathay Pacific earlier said it planned to launch the route in the first quarter of next year, which would consist of three flights a week by an Airbus A330-300 widebody aircraft.
Air Astana previously operated a direct service between Almaty and Hong Kong.

At the ceremony, Chan also hailed Qatar Airways’ strategic move as underlining its confidence in Hong Kong as an international aviation hub.
She described the airline’s alliance with the Airport Authority as “powerful”, as it marked a collaboration between the world’s busiest cargo airport and a leading global carrier.
The partnership would foster greater synergies in promoting seamless global cargo flows, the minister said.
The alliance also covers cooperation spanning operational excellence, service enhancement, sustainability and talent development.
Eric Wilson, Qatar Airways Cargo’s senior vice-president for cargo sales, said: “By establishing our regional office in Hong Kong and deepening our partnership with the [authority], the group is perfectly positioned to leverage Hong Kong’s strengths to further connect the global network with the vibrant markets of Asia and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area.”
To further consolidate the city’s position as an international aviation hub, the Civil Aviation Department announced it would extend exemption measures related to non-scheduled cargo flights.
It also said that it would encourage airlines to add scheduled cargo services and open new freight routes.
Hong Kong has made efforts to expand commercial ties with Central Asia, with Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu leading the city’s first delegation to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in June.
In 2025, Hong Kong was ranked the busiest cargo airport, handling 5.07 million tonnes of cargo, or about 2.7 per cent growth from 4.9 million tonnes in 2024.


Authorities aim to launch revamped Huanggang Port on October 12

China airports climb global-connectivity ranking as international routes rise: OAG report

Hong Kong finance chief urges Cathay to keep fares attractive, add routes

Mainland Chinese joint venture launches new electric taxi in Hong Kong

Hong Kong transport

Mable Chan uses Qatar Airways cargo office opening to drop Central Asia route reveal

Qatar Airways has also signed a memorandum of understanding with the Airport Authority. Photo: AFP

Cathay earlier said it planned to relaunch the route in the first quarter of next year, which would consist of three flights a week by an Airbus A330-300 widebody aircraft. Photo: Nora Tam

Transport minister Mable Chan dropped the reveal at the opening of Qatar Airways’ regional cargo office. Photo: Handout

Mable Chan and Eric Wilson (second left) of Qatar Airways Cargo join fellow VIPs for the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Photo: Handout

How Hong Kong infrastructure, AI firms are tapping Malaysia’s growth prospects

The Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Hong Kong firms are eyeing a slice of the country’s infrastructure and AI sector. Photo: EPA-EFE

Key Direction’s Chang Che-son says Malaysia’s geographic landscape makes it one of the most promising markets for rail infrastructure expansion. Photo: Vivian Au

Alan Fong says Malaysia’s common law framework and clear regulatory environment support companies entering the Southeast Asian market. Photo: Vivian Au

Cathay Pacific posts 71% profit rise to HK$6.24 billion in first half of year

A Cathay Pacific plane takes off from Hong Kong International Airport in May this year. Photo: Elson Li

A Cathay Pacific cargo plane parked at Hong Kong International Airport in Chek Lap Kok. Photo: May Tse

News

Hong Kong

Hong Kong Economy

SCMP has learned that Cathay Pacific Airways is the airline behind plans to launch direct route to Almaty, Kazakhstan


SCMP has learned that Cathay Pacific Airways is the airline behind plans to launch direct route to Almaty, Kazakhstan.


Mable Chan uses Qatar Airways cargo office opening to drop Central Asia route reveal

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}SCMP has learned that Cathay Pacific Airways is the airline behind plans to launch direct route to Almaty, Kazakhstan

SCMP has learned that Cathay Pacific Airways is the airline behind plans to launch direct route to Almaty, Kazakhstan