Cathay Pacific Launches Nonstop Seattle-Hong Kong Passenger Service

‍DALLAS — Cathay Pacific (CX) has launched new nonstop passenger service between Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and Hong Kong International Airport (HGK), marking a significant expansion of its North American network. The route will operate five times per week.

The addition of Seattle brings Cathay Pacific’s total to seven passenger destinations in the United States and nine across North America. It is also the only nonstop flight currently connecting the Pacific Northwest region directly with Hong Kong, offering a new option for both business and leisure travelers.

The launch coincides with Cathay’s 80th anniversary, and as part of the celebrations, the inaugural flight from Hong Kong to Seattle was operated by a special-edition Airbus A350 aircraft featuring Cathay’s heritage-inspired livery. The design incorporates the airline’s iconic “lettuce leaf sandwich” stripes and 80th anniversary year mark. This design was iconic for CX in the 1970s and 1980s. It was revived in early 2026 as part of a trio of anniversary designs, which included the Airbus A350 (B-LRJ) and a Boeing 777-300ER (B-KQU).

Cathay Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Lavinia Lau said, “As we celebrate ‘80 Years Together’ connecting Hong Kong with the world, the launch of our Seattle service highlights the deepening ties between two global centers of innovation, culture, and commerce. Seattle’s spirit of creativity and entrepreneurship mirrors Hong Kong’s own energy, making this route especially meaningful for us.

“Through the Cathay Group’s investment of well over HK$100 billion (US$12.8 billion) into our fleet, cabin products, lounges, and digital innovation, we are committed to offering customers a seamless and elevated travel experience, whether they are traveling to Hong Kong or connecting to onward destinations through our global network covering more than 100 destinations worldwide. This new service not only enhances connectivity for business and leisure travelers but also reinforces our role in supporting Hong Kong’s position as a leading international aviation hub.”

Port of Seattle Sam Cho said, “Direct service from Seattle to Hong Kong is back, and we couldn’t be more thrilled. This connection opens exciting opportunities for both business and leisure travelers, strengthening ties between our regions and expanding access for our community.”

Flight Schedule

The Hong Kong–Seattle service is operated by Cathay Pacific’s Airbus A350-900 aircraft, offering fully flat beds in Business class, spacious seating in Premium Economy, and enhanced comfort in Economy. Flight schedules are as follows (all times local):

### March 30–May 31, 2026; Sept. 16–Oct. 24, 2026 | Flt. | Route | Time | Days | |---|---|---|---| | CX852 | HKG–SEA | 13:25 / 10:05 | Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat | | CX853 | SEA–HKG | 11:45 / 16:45+1 | Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat | ### June 1–Sept. 15, 2026 | Flt. | Route | Time | Days | |---|---|---|---| | CX852 | HKG–SEA | 13:25 / 10:20 | Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat | | CX853 | SEA–HKG | 12:25 / 16:45+1 | Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat |

The Seattle service complements Cathay Pacific’s 2026 North America summer schedule, which includes close to 120 return flights per week to Boston (BOS), Chicago (ORD), Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Los Angeles (LAX), New York (JFK), San Francisco (SFO), Seattle (SEA), Toronto (YYZ), and Vancouver (YVR).

Cathay Pacific’s new Seattle passenger route also enhances options for cargo customers. Belly capacity on the A350 complements the nearly 40 weekly freighter flights Cathay Cargo will operate to North America during the summer peak.