25 Sep 2025
#4 September 2025: China Aviation Industry Newsletter
Cathay Pacific Returns to Seattle from March 2026
Cathay Pacific has announced the return of its non-stop service between Hong Kong and Seattle, beginning 30 March 2026. Operating five times weekly with a three-class Airbus A350-900, Seattle becomes Cathay’s ninth North American passenger destination.
Lavinia Lau, Chief Customer and Commercial Officer, stated:
“We are excited to resume direct passenger flights to Seattle, reinforcing our goal to deepen business and cultural ties between Hong Kong and a dynamic tech hub in the United States. This route not only provides greater convenience for our customers, but also supports the growing demand for connectivity between Asia and North America, particularly among travellers from the Chinese Mainland and India.”
CDB Aviation Meets with COMAC to Enhance Strategic Cooperation
CDB Aviation’s senior leadership, led by CEO Jie Chen, met with COMAC officials in Shanghai to explore avenues for enhanced collaboration.
Chen commented:
“The C919, COMAC’s narrowbody aircraft, represents a significant milestone in diversifying the global airframe market. By offering an alternative solution for airlines worldwide, COMAC has the potential to enhance fleet flexibility, improve supply chain resilience, and drive competition that fosters continuous technological advancements across the sector.”
China Eastern Airlines Announces Shanghai–Buenos Aires via Auckland
China Eastern Airlines has launched ticket sales for a new Shanghai–Buenos Aires service, promoted as the “world’s longest direct flight.”
Beginning 4 December 2025, the route will operate twice weekly using Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, with a scheduled duration of up to 29 hours, including a two-hour technical stop in Auckland.
While not nonstop, the service remains classified as a “direct” flight, enhancing long-haul connectivity between China and South America.
Acumen’s Take
On Cathay’s Return to Seattle
Cathay’s resumption of Seattle services reflects renewed transpacific demand, especially from secondary U.S. cities with growing tech and business communities. The move also signals broader confidence in North America–Asia traffic recovery and showcases Cathay’s effort to rebuild its long-haul footprint post-pandemic.
On CDB Aviation–COMAC Engagement
The high-level dialogue between CDB Aviation and COMAC reinforces China’s intent to bring the C919 to the global stage. Lessors like CDB will play a pivotal role in legitimising COMAC aircraft in international markets, especially among second-tier carriers looking for cost-effective fleet diversification.
On China Eastern’s Ultra-Long Route to Argentina
While not a true nonstop, the Shanghai–Buenos Aires route reflects growing airline interest in niche ultra-long-haul connectivity. The Auckland stop offers operational practicality while tapping into demand from both Chinese and Latin American travellers. Strategic fifth-freedom rights could also enhance cargo and passenger economics on this marathon routing.
Acumen Aviation © 26 September 2025 All Rights Reserved.
