Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific today said it will expand its freighter network in the country with a new service to Kolkata from March 11.
Once the new freighter flight takes off, Cathay Pacific will become the only carrier providing direct services in the Koklata-Hong Kong sector, the airline said in a release.
Cathay Pacific Airways currently operates cargo services to 46 freighter destinations across the globe including Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad and Mumbai in India.
Besides, it also carries freight in the bellies of its 140-plus passenger aircraft, which across its global network.
"India is a very important market for Cathay Pacific and we are delighted to build on our existing network of five freighter destinations in the country. The new Kolkata service will boost the flow of garments and food products to and from India, taking advantage of our world-class facilities in Hong Kong to connect to our comprehensive global cargo network," Cathay Pacific's Director, Cargo, James Woodrow said.
The scheduled service will operate twice a week on a Hong Kong-New Delhi-Kolkata- Hong Kong route, the airline said, adding that it will strengthen its airfreight presence within the subcontinent, offering customers greater choice and flexibility when moving goods between South Asia and other parts of the world.
"This service will surely boost cargo not only to and from this city but the entire east of India providing greater connectivity, flexibility and access to our worldwide network. This will be the sixth freighter port that we will serve from India and this underlines our commitment to serve this growing market," airline's Regional Cargo Manager for South Asia, Middle East and Africa Anand Yedery said.
