09 May 2025

#2 May 2025: China Aviation Industry Newsletter

Cathay Pacific Launches Non-Stop Flights Between Hong Kong and Dallas

Cathay Pacific has officially launched non-stop passenger flights between Hong Kong and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, expanding its North American network and reinforcing Hong Kong’s role as a strategic global hub. The new route operates four times a week using Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, equipped with Business, Premium Economy, and Economy cabins, offering passengers a seamless and premium travel experience.

This launch marks Cathay’s sixth new passenger destination in 2025, and is part of a broader effort by the Group to restore and grow its international network, which is on track to exceed 100 destinations in the first half of the year.

Lavinia Lau, Cathay’s Chief Customer and Commercial Officer, said:

“The launch of our direct passenger flights between Hong Kong and Dallas for the very first time demonstrates our commitment to providing our customers with convenient access to the most exciting destinations around the world from our Hong Kong hub. With our Cathay Pacific codeshares and other flight options, customers can connect to domestic destinations in the United States as well as destinations in Central and South America via Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. We also look forward to welcoming customers from the dynamic city of Dallas and the wider Americas onboard our flights, as they travel to Hong Kong or connect to the many onward destinations available through our extensive global network.”

This route also opens up new two-way travel and trade opportunities, allowing for better access to Hong Kong and wider Asia for travellers across the Southern U.S., Central America, and Latin America.

China Southern Airlines to Resume Perth–Guangzhou Services from November 2025

China Southern Airlines will restart its seasonal Perth–Guangzhou flights from 30 November 2025, operating three times weekly using the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. The service will initially run until March 2026, though both the airline and Western Australia’s state government are exploring ways to increase frequencies and make the route year-round.

The airline’s return marks a critical restoration of direct links between China and Western Australia, a route that facilitates not only tourism but also student mobility, cultural ties, and growing bilateral trade.

Kate Holsgrove, Chief Commercial and Aviation Officer at Perth Airport, stated:

“Currently the airline has advised that it will operate the three weekly services until March 2026, however we are working closely with the State Government to further develop our partnership with China Southern Airlines so we can increase the frequency over the coming years.

We value our partnership with China Southern Airlines as it provides a vital connection for people and trade between China and Western Australia. China currently represents Western Australia’s fourth largest international market by visitor number with 68,000 visitors in 2024, injecting $302 million into the economy, so increasing our capacity into China is an important objective for Western Australia’s tourism industry.”

This development positions China Southern Airlines to capitalise on rising demand from outbound Chinese tourists and strengthens Perth’s efforts to reclaim its position as a key entry point into Australia.

Etihad Airways and China Eastern Airlines Launch Joint Venture

In a significant cross-border aviation milestone, Etihad Airways and China Eastern Airlines have launched their landmark Joint Venture (JV), following the successful arrival of China Eastern’s inaugural Shanghai–Abu Dhabi flight (MU237) on 28 April 2025. The route operates four times per week and will transition to daily service from 12 September 2025.

The launch ceremony took place during the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, where leaders from both airlines confirmed the agreement will deepen commercial collaboration, boost transit traffic, and unlock new growth opportunities under China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

Wan Qingchao, Executive Vice President of China Eastern Airlines, said:

“The launch of the Shanghai–Abu Dhabi route and the implementation of the joint business cooperation with Etihad Airways are key achievements in advancing our shared vision under the Belt and Road Initiative. Backed by a modern Zayed International Airport, we will further enhance our transit capabilities and improve travel convenience for passengers.”

The JV will also offer reciprocal benefits in loyalty programmes, coordinated scheduling, and expanded codeshare options, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s ambition to become a leading global transit hub for East–West traffic.

Acumen’s Take

On Cathay’s Dallas Launch

Cathay’s expansion to Dallas is more than just another U.S. route—it is a strategic move to anchor the carrier’s presence in the Southern U.S., a region rich in business travel and underserved in direct Asia-Pacific connectivity. The timing reflects Cathay’s renewed growth momentum, leveraging strong demand from both premium passengers and the cargo sectors.

On China Southern’s Perth Resumption

Reintroducing the Perth–Guangzhou link affirms the economic and cultural importance of China–Australia air routes, especially for Western Australia. The use of the 787-9 also shows China Southern’s confidence in mid-capacity, long-range operations, with scope for future scaling.

On the Etihad–China Eastern JV

This joint venture signals a deeper integration between Chinese and Gulf carriers, going beyond codeshare to co-managed routes and commercial alignment. With the Belt and Road Initiative acting as a framework, Abu Dhabi is positioning itself as a transit bridge between Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, and China Eastern is firmly on board.
 

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