Cathay to increase flights to Phnom Penh

Cathay Pacific on Saturday announced it will offer daily flights to the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh from October 27, up from the current five trips per week. The announcement came after the CEO of the SAR's flag carrier, Ronald Lam, signed an agreement to boost its partnership with Cambodia Airports during Chief Executive John Lee's recent six-day Asean trip. The decision is also part of Cathay's plan to prepare for the completion of the three-runway system at the Hong Kong International Airport this year. The group emphasised that it will continue to strengthen its existing routes, as well as expand its network and collaboration with Asean countries. Meanwhile, this year marks the 75th anniversary since Cathay operated its inaugural flight to Vietnam. The airline announced that it will kick off another round of recruitment in the country this month, after welcoming more than 170 Vietnamese flight attendants earlier this year. And low-cost airline Hong Kong Express, which is owned by Cathay, is planning to start flights between Hong Kong and Phu Quoc – a Vietnamese island – in the fourth quarter. Cathay currently flies to 17 Asean destinations, with over 360 flights per week.