Here’s our weekly roundup of new air routes and codeshare partnerships
Philippine Airlines, Southwest to broaden transpacific travel options
Philippine Airlines (PAL) has partnered with Southwest Airlines to offer single-ticket journeys for transoceanic travellers. The new interline itineraries are now available through Philippine Airlines and third-party booking sites.
The collaboration provides access between Southwest’s US network and PAL’s routes across the Philippines, Asia, Australia, and the Middle East, via shared gateway airports in Los Angeles, Seattle/Tacoma, San Francisco, and Honolulu, where Southwest operates frequent inter-island flights.
Hong Kong Airlines, Etihad relaunch codeshare partnership
Hong Kong Airlines and Etihad Airways have relaunched their codeshare partnership and signed their first loyalty programme reciprocity agreement, expanding travel options between Asia, the Middle East and beyond.
The inaugural codeshare flight between Abu Dhabi and Hong Kong took off on November 3. Under the arrangement, Hong Kong Airlines flights to Japan, including Fukuoka, Sapporo, Okinawa and Osaka, are included in the codeshare, while Etihad operates flights between Abu Dhabi and Hong Kong as part of the partnership.
The reciprocal loyalty programme will allow members of both airlines to earn and redeem miles across each other’s networks, enhancing convenience and rewards for business and leisure travellers. The renewed partnership also strengthens commercial ties and supports growing travel demand between the Gulf region and major Asian cities.
Cathay Pacific returns to Adelaide with seasonal flights
Cathay Pacific has resumed flights to Adelaide with the launch of a thrice-weekly seasonal service connecting Hong Kong and the South Australian capital. The first flight departed Hong Kong International Airport just before midnight on November 11 and arrived in Adelaide the next morning.
The service restores a direct link between the two cities, supporting travel, trade and cultural exchange between Asia and Australia. Travellers fly on Cathay Pacific’s Airbus A350-900, which offers fully flat beds in Business, spacious Premium Economy seats and Economy cabin comfort. In-flight entertainment is available throughout, with menus developed in collaboration with Michelin-starred Hong Kong restaurants.
Wi-Fi connectivity is offered across the fleet, currently complimentary for Business class passengers and Cathay Diamond members, with roll-out to Gold and Premium Economy passengers scheduled later in 2025.
Turkish Airlines expands codeshare with Hong Kong Airlines
Turkish Airlines and Hong Kong Airlines have expanded their codeshare partnership, strengthening both airlines’ international networks and offering passengers greater flexibility and convenience.
The enhanced collaboration now includes Hong Kong Airlines’ services to Australia, providing seamless access to Sydney and Melbourne via Hong Kong for a smoother one-stop travel experience. Passengers can also enjoy improved connectivity between Hong Kong and key destinations in Asia, including Tokyo, Osaka, and Bangkok, through the extended partnership.
