Search Results fortrans-Pacific
Hong Kong Airlines builds trans-Pacific network with new non-stop SFO service
Hong Kong Airlines continues to up its credibility as a serious trans-Pacific player, having launched a new service to San Francisco this weekend. The City by the Bay is the airline's third destination in North America, following the launch of services to Vancouver and Los Angeles in 2017. The airline was founded in 2001 as CR Airways and operated a Sikorsky S-76, American four-blade helicopter. In 2003 they launched their first airline service and started to build out short-haul hubs in China, the Philippines and Cambodia. The company was purchased by Hainan Airlines in 2006 and its first long-haul service, to Moscow, began in 2010. HKA hasn't slowed down since, adding services to Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and North America and it now flies to more than 30 global destinations with more than 35 aircraft. The new San Francisco service uses the new Airbus A350, one of the most technologically advanced aircraft in the world, and one of the most efficient. It's a carbon fibre two-engine wide-body craft, also popular with Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines and Qatar Airways. Hong Kong Airlines will now operate flights between Hong Kong and San Francisco four-times weekly at the following schedule (all times local): Flight Number Route Departure Time Arrival Time Frequency (25 March 2018 – 30 June 2018) HX060 Hong Kong to San Francisco 1300 1015 Mon 1310 1045 Wed, Fri, Sun HX061 San Francisco to Hong Kong 1230 1735+1 Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun This means HKA is now in direct competition with Cathay who currently operate three daily flights between the cities. Singapore Airlines and United Airlines also offer daily service. A quick check across all four carriers reveals that Hong Kong Airlines offer the most competitive fares by a huge margin. I found economy roundtrip seats on the route at US$837, 25% less than the cheapest fare available on Cathay Pacific on the same dates: U$1127. Business Class has an even greater gap: Hong Kong Airlines' lowest fares were US$2961, while Cathay's lowest offer for the same dates came in at 50% higher at $5659.
Korean Air creates trans-Pacific JV with Delta
Korean Air has reached an agreement with Delta Air Lines to create a trans-Pacific joint venture between the US and Asia. The new arrangement between the two SkyTeam alliance partners marks the latest stage of a decades-old partnership, and will allow the carriers to coordinate their operations and share revenues on routes across the Pacific. First announced in March when Korean Air and Delta signed a memorandum of understanding, the new joint venture will include expanded codesharing on trans-Pacific routes, joint sales and marketing initiatives in Asia and the US, co-location at key airports with improved passenger and baggage transit processes, and additional frequent flyer benefits. "Together, Delta and Korean Air are building a world-class partnership that will offer more destinations, outstanding airport facilities and an unmatched customer experience on the trans-Pacific," said Ed Bastian, Delta's CEO. "By combining the strengths of our two companies, we are building a stronger airline for our employees, customers and investors." Korean Air's chairman, YH Cho, added; "Now is the right time for this JV. The synergies we're creating will build stronger and more sustainable companies, and this is good for travellers, our companies and our countries." The joint venture will create a combined network serving more than 290 destinations in the Americas and 80 in Asia. The two airlines will also share costs and revenues on flights. To prepare for the joint venture, Delta recently launched new direct service between Atlanta and Seoul. And later this summer, Korean Air will introduce a third daily flight between Los Angeles and Seoul and a second service between San Francisco and the Korean capital.
Virgin Australia kicks off new trans-Pacific route
Virgin Australia's business class cabin Virgin Australia launched a new trans-Pacific route this week, flying direct between Melbourne and Los Angeles. The inaugural service departed at 1130 on 4 April 2017 and landed at LAX at 0900. The return flight then departed at 2055 and arrived back in Melbourne at 0545 on Thursday morning. The service will now run every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, aboard Virgin Australia's Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, which is equipped with 37 flat-bed seats and a bar in business class. "Los Angeles and North America is an important market for us and through our partnership with Delta Air Lines, we offer passengers 25 return flights per week across the Pacific and remain the only trans-Pacific alliance to offer business class guests lie-flat beds with direct aisle access on all services," said Virgin Australia's group executive, John Thomas. Delta will codeshare on the new route, and passengers of both airlines will be able to earn frequent flyer points. This week, Travel Daily chatted to Virgin Australia's chief executive, John Borghetti. CLICK HERE to read the interview.
United Airlines to utilise new Boeing 737 MAX 8 fleet for intra-Asia flights
United Airlines announced the scheduled replacement of its entire Guam-based Boeing 737-800 fleet by early next year. The fleet which is regularly used for the airline’s intra-Asia flights will be replaced with ten new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, the first of which is slated for delivery by February 2026. According to a statement from United’s director of sales in Asia and Micronesia Kenichi Kiriyama: "Our investment in new aircraft to service our intra-Asia routes will deliver the premium experience our customers expect of United and is part of our broader commitment to elevating the customer experience across the Pacific region. For customers with connecting flights to or from the mainland US, these investments will mean a consistent, seamless experience from check-in to landing.” Better inflight amenities The new aircraft has 166 seats, all with USB charge ports, and bluetooth technology is also available for easy connections between wireless headphones and the seatback entertainment screens. Larger overhead bins, WiFi, and extra legroom seating are the other features of the aircraft. Onboard, WiFi will be available for purchase as United plans to roll out Starlink throughout its entire fleet within the next few years. Changes to flight schedules United is the only US carrier to fly intra-Asia with daily service from Manila to Guam, twice-weekly services from Manila to Palau, and a daily service from Cebu to Tokyo-Narita, with connections to the United States. Meanwhile, United also services nonstop trans-Pacific flights to and from the Philippines. The airline also announced that it will increase the frequency of its daily service from Manila to San Francisco to twice daily from 26th October.
Air Canada Expands Network for Summer 2026
Air Canada announced its international network for Summer 2026 with new destinations taking flight in Europe and Asia. Beginning next year, the airline will launch new routes from Montréal to Catania in Sicily, Italy and, as unveiled yesterday, to Palma de Mallorca, Spain. From Toronto, Air Canada re-establishes non-stop flights to Shanghai and Budapest, and increases flights to Prague. Air Canada’s popular seasonal Vancouver-Bangkok route will now become year-round, strengthening the airline’s position as the only North American carrier offering direct, non-stop service to the Thai capital. “Air Canada’s continued international expansion reflects our bold ambitions, and leverages our network reach and scale to capitalize on global travel demand driven by leisure travel trends, growing demand for services to Asia, and cargo development opportunities. Next summer, we will be launching exciting, new services to Sicily and Mallorca from our Montréal trans-Atlantic hub. Air Canada is the first Canadian carrier to offer customers non-stop flights to these sought after Mediterranean destinations, and the only airline operating scheduled service from Canada to Sicily and Mallorca,” said Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer, and President, Cargo at Air Canada. “From Toronto, we are further cementing our global hub with the launch of two celebrated, international routes linking Canada’s largest metropolitan area directly to Shanghai and Budapest, and adding capacity to Prague. Our seasonal Bangkok services from our Vancouver trans-Pacific hub become year-round, solidifying our position as the only airline with non-stop, continual service to Thailand from the North American continent. In all, these strategic additions reinforce Air Canada’s global network as one of the most wide-reaching from North America, connecting our customers to all six inhabited continents,” concluded Galardo. "Canadians will enjoy more travel options, greater convenience, and stronger connections to Europe and Asia with Air Canada’s new destinations in 2026. These expanded routes mean easier access to the places people want to go—whether for business, leisure, or to visit family. And as more passengers take flight, they promote trade and tourism, supporting jobs across the country, and helping us grow a stronger Canadian economy,” said the Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Transport and Internal Trade. “Air Canada’s expanded network is more than new destinations—it’s a gateway to stronger trade, investment, and people-to-people ties. Most of Canada’s air cargo travels in the belly of passenger planes, so when we expand passenger routes, we’re also expanding trade routes—moving Canadian goods faster, farther, and more reliably. These new connections to Europe and Asia give Canadian businesses better access to key markets, strengthen our global competitiveness, and build on what was already a record year for Canadian air cargo. Stronger connectivity in the skies means stronger growth on the ground, and ensures Canada remains a leader in the global economy,” said Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade, Government of Canada. All flights are available for sale at aircanada.com, through Air Canada Contact Centres and via travel agents. Air Canada’s new route schedules*: Flight From To Depart Arrive Days of Operation Season AC 932 Montreal (YUL) Catania-Sicily (CTA) 19:35 10:15 +1day Tue, Thu, Sat Jun 4 – Oct. 22, 2026 AC 933 Catania-Sicily (CTA) Montreal (YUL) 11:50 15:20 Wed, Fri, Sun Jun 5 – Oct. 23, 2026 AC 924 Montreal (YUL) Mallorca (PMI) 18:45 08:25 +1 day Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun Jun 17 – Oct. 23, 2026 AC 925 Mallorca (PMI) Montreal (YUL) 12:15 15:10 Mon, Tue, Thu, Sat Jun 18 – Oct. 24, 2026 AC 942 Toronto (YYZ) Budapest (BUD) 21:55 11:25 +1 day Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun Jun 5 - Oct. 23, 2026 AC 943 Budapest (BUD) Toronto (YYZ) 13:15 15:15 Mon, Wed, Sat, Sun Jun 6 - Oct. 24, 2026 AC 27 Toronto (YYZ) Shanghai (PVG) 12:45 16:20 +1 day Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun Starts June 3 year-round AC 28 Shanghai (PVG) Toronto (YYZ) 18:00 19:55 Mon, Tue, Thu, Sat Starts June 4 year-round AC 65 Vancouver (YVR) Bangkok (BKK) 23:20 05:15 +2 days Mon, Wed, Sat Year-round AC 66 Bangkok (BKK) Vancouver (YVR) 07:15 06:50 Mon, Wed, Fri Year-round *schedules are subject to change Additional capacity: Route Increase during peak periods vs. 2025 Toronto (YYZ) – Prague (PRG) 1 additional flight for a total of 4 weekly flights
Delta to launch new services from Los Angeles to Hong Kong and Chicago in 2026
Delta is expanding its reach from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) with two new nonstop routes: daily service to Hong Kong (HKG) beginning 6 June, 2026, and three daily flights to Chicago O’Hare (ORD) starting 7 June, 2026. These additions underscore Delta’s continued investment in LAX as a premier coastal gateway for both international and domestic travel. “Launching service to Hong Kong and Chicago from LAX strengthens our presence in two of the world’s most dynamic markets,” said Paul Baldoni, SVP of Network Planning. “As the largest global carrier at LAX, we’re continuing to invest in routes that matter to our customers and deliver the premium travel experience that they’ve come to expect from Delta.” Expanding global and domestic options from LAX A dynamic fusion of tradition and modernity, Hong Kong draws travelers with its iconic skyline, vibrant neighborhoods, and world-class shopping, dining and cultural experiences. From bustling street markets and ancient temples to cutting-edge architecture and luxury boutiques, the city offers something for every kind of traveler. Delta’s new nonstop service between Los Angeles and Hong Kong provides direct access to this global city, while also unlocking more than 30 convenient one-stop connections to and from LAX. In addition to serving growing passenger demand, the new route significantly strengthens Delta Cargo’s transpacific network, creating a vital new freight corridor between two of the world’s most robust cargo markets. Operated by a widebody Airbus A350 aircraft with the capacity to carry more than 20 tons of cargo per flight, the service expands our ability to transport high-value shipments — including electronics, e-commerce and perishables. This launch enhances Delta’s ability to support global supply chains and deliver seamless, reliable logistics solutions between Asia and North America. The addition of Hong Kong also strengthens the Delta–Korean Air Joint Venture, further expanding the partnership’s reach and enhancing travel options for customers across the Pacific. To the east, Delta’s new service between LAX and Chicago O’Hare connects two of the nation’s most influential cities, each a hub for commerce, culture and travel. With schedules tailored for both business and leisure, the route offers Angelenos quick access to Chicago’s manufacturing, insurance and financial sectors, as well as its legendary culinary scene. For Midwestern travelers, it provides a convenient gateway to LA’s tech and entertainment industries, along with seamless connections to Delta’s growing West Coast and transpacific network via LAX. “As one of the world’s busiest airports, LAX is proud to welcome Delta’s new nonstop service to two critical global hubs, Hong Kong and Chicago," said Doug Webster, Chief Operations and Maintenance Officer, Los Angeles World Airports. “These routes not only enhance our trans-Pacific and domestic reach but also reflect the strength of our partnership with Delta in delivering world-class service to travelers across the Pacific and to key destinations throughout the United States.” A comfortable journey from curb to gate Whether you're heading to Hong Kong or Chicago, Delta customers departing from LAX can enjoy a smooth and comfortable travel experience, beginning with an upgraded airport journey designed to make every step more relaxing and efficient. Customers flying Delta One to Hong Kong receive exclusive access to the new Delta One Lounge at LAX, offering nearly 200 seats, a rotating chef-curated menu, year-round sushi bar, wellness room with full-body massage chairs, and a design aesthetic inspired by the natural and architectural beauty of Southern California. These travelers also benefit from Delta One check-in, a dedicated, concierge-style service from curb to gate. A premium experience in the air Flights to Hong Kong will be operated daily on Delta’s flagship Airbus A350-900, featuring four product experiences: Delta One, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort and Delta Main. Delta One offers lie-flat seating, premium bedding and a seasonal chef-curated four-course meal. Delta Premium Select provides wider seats with deeper recline and enhanced amenities for a more spacious and relaxing journey. Flights to Chicago O’Hare will operate three times daily on the Boeing 737-800, featuring Delta First, Delta Comfort and Delta Main. All cabins are equipped with seatback entertainment, fast, free Wi-Fi for Sky Miles Members, power at every seat, and consistent onboard service designed to make the journey enjoyable from takeoff to landing. All passengers can enjoy a wide selection of in-flight entertainment options, with complimentary access to 1,000+ hours of content on Delta Studio.
Delta launches first-ever nonstop route from Salt Lake City to Seoul
Delta is boosting its global footprint with the launch of its first-ever nonstop service from Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) to Seoul-Incheon International Airport (ICN) on June 12, 2025. Delta is boosting its global footprint with the launch of its first-ever nonstop service from Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) to Seoul-Incheon International Airport (ICN) on June 12, 2025. This route—the only direct flight linking Salt Lake City to Asia—will provide seamless connections to key destinations across Asia for travelers throughout the Mountain West and Southwest U.S. regions. Customers will enjoy Delta’s state-of-the-art Airbus A350, along with modern amenities at SLC’s recently upgraded terminal and the expansive Delta Sky Club, ensuring a smooth and comfortable trans-Pacific journey. “The launch of Salt Lake City to Seoul service offers customers convenient access to Delta’s growing global network and ensures that virtually all U.S. demand is connected to Seoul via nonstop or one-stop service,” said Joe Esposito, Delta’s Senior Vice President – Network Planning. “As Salt Lake City continues to grow as a vital Delta hub, our strong joint venture with Korean Air allows us to offer unmatched connectivity between the U.S. and Asia, leveraging strong hubs on both sides. This ensures that customers, including those in the interior U.S., have access not just to Seoul but to key destinations across Asia." Delta’s leading position at Salt Lake City As Delta’s fifth direct U.S. route to Seoul, the new SLC-ICN flight joins Atlanta, Detroit, Minneapolis-St. Paul, and Seattle in connecting U.S. travelers to Asia. With this addition, Delta—together with partner Korean Air—offers access to Seoul from 14 U.S. gateways, providing the most extensive reach across Asia through the ICN hub compared to any other trans-Pacific joint venture. This route also further solidifies Delta’s position as the largest long-haul foreign carrier at Incheon, enhancing its already unmatched reach across Asia. Lee Hag-jae, President of Incheon International Airport Corporation, shared, “I’m confident that Incheon Airport will continue to grow as a global hub through our partnership with Delta Air Lines. Together, we aim to set the standard for airline partnerships, sharing a vision of leading the global aviation market as a top-tier airport and airline.” This historic route solidifies Delta’s leadership in Salt Lake City, where it operates more flights than all other carriers combined. Delta’s robust presence includes nearly 250 peak-day departures to more than 90 destinations worldwide, featuring nonstop service to other international cities like Amsterdam, London, Paris, and Mexico City, among others. 2
Jetstar Soars to Second Place as Brisbane Airport Hits Pre-COVID Passenger Numbers
Jetstar has ascended to become the second largest international carrier at Brisbane Airport, which has now reached 95% of its total pre-COVID passenger numbers. The low-cost airline now trails only Qantas, having grown by a staggering 149% internationally in Brisbane over the past year. This growth is largely attributed to a significant increase in flights to Asia and enhanced services to Auckland. “Queenslanders have embraced Jetstar’s low fares, with all of the new route launches from Brisbane Airport receiving strong support. This has propelled the airline from being Brisbane’s seventh biggest international carrier to number two,” said Ryan Both, Executive General Manager of Aviation at Brisbane Airport. In the 2024 financial year, Brisbane saw a total of 22.6 million passengers, including 5.6 million international and 17 million domestic passengers. This represents a recovery of 89% and 97% on FY19 levels respectively. “We know more Queenslanders have been ticking off their bucket lists, but importantly we’re also seeing more international tourists visiting the state. That’s good news for the state’s tourism regions from the Gold Coast to Tropical North Queensland and the Outback,” Both added. Brisbane now offers flights to 32 international destinations, just one shy of its pre-COVID high of 33. Major US carriers American Airlines and Delta Air Lines are planning direct flights to Brisbane this year, joining United, Air Canada, and Qantas in trans-Pacific services. “We are eagerly looking forward to the launch of American Airlines direct from Dallas and Delta from Los Angeles,” said Both. “By the end of the year there will be five major carriers serving the North American market, providing a historic level of options and competition across the Pacific.” Last June, Jetstar announced a major increase in its international services out of Brisbane, including shifting its Tokyo (Narita) service from the Gold Coast, commencing new direct flights from Brisbane to Osaka and Seoul (Incheon), and increasing the frequency of its existing flights to Bali and Auckland. Steph Tully, CEO of Jetstar, thanked the Queensland government and Brisbane Airport for their support via the state’s Attracting Aviation Investment Fund (AAIF). “The new partnership with Brisbane Airport has unlocked about half a million new seats between Brisbane and some of the most popular international destinations on our network,” Tully said. Jetstar also recently announced plans to launch Brisbane-Bangkok flights by the end of the year, further expanding its international footprint and bringing even more tourists to the sunshine state from Japan, South Korea, and across the Tasman.
Delta appoints Matteo Curcio as senior vice president for Europe, Middle East, Africa and India
Delta Air Lines has appointed Matteo Curcio as its new Senior Vice President for Europe, Middle East, Africa, and India (EMEAI). Based in Paris, Curcio will be responsible for overseeing all commercial activities across the EMEAI region while further developing long-term growth opportunities with Delta’s joint venture partners Air France-KLM and Virgin Atlantic. Since joining Delta in 2006, Curcio has held a variety of positions with increasing responsibility across the company including trans-Atlantic network planning, alliance strategy, and establishing joint venture and bi-lateral partnerships across the globe. Making the announcement, Alain Bellemare, President-International said: “Matteo’s outstanding commercial record, combined with his experience forging world-class partnerships, will build a stronger and more competitive future for Delta in the EMEAI region.” Prior to his promotion to Senior Vice President, Curcio served as Vice President-Asia Pacific, where he was instrumental in implementing our successful joint venture with Korean Air. In addition, Matteo spent more than seven years leading Delta’s commercial transformation in the Asia Pacific region, including significant expansion of our trans-Pacific network in Korea, Japan, and China. He began his career with KPMG Consulting in Rome, Italy, as a Business Strategy Consultant and worked at the former Italian flag carrier Alitalia S.P.A. in network planning, revenue management and corporate strategy. Originally from Naples, Italy, Curcio has a B.A. in Economics from the Universita’ degli Studi di Napoli Federico II.
United Airlines Makes Its Landing In Brisbane
United Airlines’ debut flight from San Francisco to Brisbane landed on Saturday, making it the first American airline to offer regular, non-stop service between the US mainland and Queensland. Flight UA96 will depart SFO at 11:20 pm on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, arriving in BNE at 6:30 am local time on each of those days. Return flight UA97 will leave BNE at 10:30 am and land in SFO at 6:40 am on the same day. A Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner will be utilised for this flight by the airline. The first trans-Pacific flight occurred between these two cities nearly a century before the new service began. “In 1928, Sir Charles Kingsford Smith and his crew became the first to fly across the Pacific from San Francisco to Brisbane. Ninety-four years later, the route they pioneered will now deliver thousands of tourists to Queensland,” Brisbane Airport Corporation CEO Gert-Jan de Graaff said. “That first pioneering journey took 83 hours and 38 minutes, and now it’s a 13-hour 45-minute flight. And the historic Southern Cross aircraft sits opposite our International Terminal where United Airlines docked this morning.” United Airlines’ Patrick Quayle, SVP of global network planning and alliances, conveyed his company’s delight in partnering with the Queensland Government and Brisbane Airport to launch the flights and become “the first US airline to add a new transpacific destination to its global network since the start of the pandemic.” “United has a long history in Australia, and with our new partnership with Virgin Australia, now is the ideal time to expand our service and offer additional convenient flight options to our customers on both sides of the Pacific,” Quayle said. According to Queensland Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe, the service is the first to get funding from Queensland’s $200 million Attracting Aviation Investment Fund, hoping to revitalise the state’s $6 billion international visitor industry. “United Airlines from San Francisco alone is predicted to contribute $27 million to the State’s visitor economy and an extra 40,000 inbound seats, supporting 260 good Queensland jobs,” he added. Australians flying to the US will now be able to connect to more than 80 destinations across North America via United’s SFO hub, thanks to the new route. US Consulate General Christine Elder, who was present when the first flight landed, expressed her desire to see a large number of Americans travel to Australia and many Australians to the United States to experience all that it has to offer. The new United Airlines route between the United States and Australia will open up countless opportunities for connections, which will make it easier for thousands of people to travel between our countries. United Airlines has announced that starting on 14 December; it would boost its frequency of flights between Sydney and San Francisco to ten per week.
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