Cathay Pacific Airways announced a new four-times-weekly service to Spanish capital of Madrid, from 2 June 2016, subject to government approval. The new service, operated with B777-300ERs will be the only direct link between Hong Kong and Madrid and will also offer belly cargo opportunities.

Cathay Pacific chief executive Ivan Chu said: “We are delighted to launch flights to Madrid and become the only airline to offer direct non-stop services between Hong Kong and Spain.

“Network expansion is part of our core strategy, underpinning our efforts to strengthen Hong Kong’s position as one of the world’s great international aviation hubs. We are committed to expanding our presence in Europe, having recently added Manchester, Zurich and Düsseldorf to our network, and we are now pleased to offer more choice and convenience to passengers travelling between Hong Kong and Madrid.”

Düsseldorf was added in early September marking Cathay Pacific’s second destination in Germany, after Frankfurt and is operated using B777- 300ER aircraft.