Here’s our weekly roundup of new air routes and codeshare partnerships
Cathay Pacific unveils redesigned The Bridge lounge
Cathay Pacific has officially reopened The Bridge lounge at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), offering an enhanced experience for passengers. The lounge has been redesigned with a combination of new features and familiar elements to create a refined pre-flight environment. It marks the first phase of the airline’s broader lounge improvement plan, which will continue with renovations at The Wing and other lounges in the coming years.
Located near Departure Gate 35 in Terminal 1, The Bridge’s interior features cherry wood, framed screens, black granite, and travertine, along with original artworks from the airline’s Gallery in the Skies initiative.
The lounge offers two dining sections: one serving Chinese favourites like wonton and dan dan noodles, dim sum, and new regional dishes, while the other features international options including casseroles, fresh pastries, and salads. The lounge also introduces The Nook, a new space offering regional Chinese small plates, and a Food Hall with oven-prepared meals.
Additionally, The Bridge will soon implement a biometric check-in system, making it the first Cathay Pacific lounge to offer this feature, alongside a traditional check-in desk. Customers can also enjoy panoramic runway views from the Bar while relaxing in Solo Chairs in the dedicated lounge areas.
Hunnu Air launches Ulaanbaatar-Beijing flights
Hunnu Air has launched scheduled services using Embraer’s E195-E2 aircraft, with the inaugural flight from Ulaanbaatar to Beijing’s Daxing International Airport marking the first time the E2 has flown into the Chinese mainland.
The flight was operated by one of two new E195-E2 aircraft delivered to Hunnu Air in April. The airline plans to use these planes to expand services to destinations like Haikou, Sanya, Phu Quoc, and Tashkent, as well as increase flights to Japan, China, Vietnam, India, and South Korea. The aircraft features 136 seats in a two-by-two layout, with no middle seat.
Air Astana commences direct flights from Astana to Danang
Air Astana has expanded its route network to Vietnam with the launch of direct flights from Astana to Danang on May 14.
The airline will operate direct scheduled flights to Danang twice a week, on Wednesdays and Sundays.
As part of its summer schedule, Air Astana has increased its weekly flights to Vietnam to 11. The airline operates flights to Nha Trang four times a week from Almaty and three times a week from Astana. Flights to Danang are available twice weekly from Astana and, starting June 4, will also operate twice weekly from Almaty. Kazakhstan citizens are eligible for a visa-free stay in Vietnam for up to 30 days.
Korean Air, Delta Air Lines invest in WestJet to strengthen partnerships
Korean Air and Delta Air Lines will strengthen their partnerships with WestJet by purchasing minority equity stakes in the Canadian airline from Onex Partners, a private equity platform of Onex, a Canadian investor. These investments will enhance the airlines’ existing relationships with WestJet, benefiting customers across North America, Europe, Asia, and beyond.
Korean Air and Delta Air Lines will each acquire a total 25 per cent stake in WestJet. Delta Air Lines will invest US$330 million for a 15 per cent share, while Korean Air will invest US$220 million for a 10 per cent stake.
After the transaction closes, Delta plans to sell 2.3 per cent of its stake in WestJet to its joint venture partner, Air France-KLM, for US$50 million, pending approvals from Air France-KLM. The Onex Group will remain the majority owner of Calgary-based WestJet.
Korean Air and Delta have been codeshare partners with WestJet for several years. These new investments will further enhance travel experiences for customers, offering a seamless and elevated service worldwide.
Korean Air and WestJet have partnered since 2012, expanding transpacific connectivity between Seoul Incheon and Vancouver, Toronto, and Calgary, with connections to both airlines’ networks. Delta and WestJet have been partners since 2011, strengthening their U-Canada border services and global network options for customers.
