OREANDA-NEWS. November 28, 2013. Cathay Pacific Airways announced the launch of a new code-share agreement with Air Seychelles that will add the Seychelles to its network and offer passengers direct services to one of the world’s most alluring destinations.

Tickets for the new code-share services are open for sale from 21 November 2013 for travel commencing 9 December 2013 (subject to government approval).

This will be second destination in the Indian Ocean to be added to the Cathay Pacific network in the space of just two months. The airline launched a new four-times-weekly service to the Maldives in October.

Under the new code-share agreement, Cathay Pacific’s "CX" code will be placed on Air Seychelles’ three weekly return flights between Hong Kong and the Seychelles, and two flights per week from the Seychelles to Abu Dhabi.

At the same time, Air Seychelles will place its "HM" code on Cathay Pacific’s three weekly return flights apiece between Hong Kong and Seoul, and Hong Kong and Melbourne. In addition, the codeshare will apply to three weekly flights apiece from Hong Kong to Perth and to Johannesburg, as well as two flights per week from Perth to Hong Kong. The new code-share will offer greater choice and convenience for passengers connecting through the Hong Kong hub.

Cathay Pacific Chief Executive John Slosar said: "We are pleased to be able to offer our passengers yet another new destination through this important code-share agreement. This new partnership with Air Seychelles will boost both business and leisure travel between Hong Kong and the Seychelles and provide passengers travelling from the Seychelles with more choice and flexibility when travelling through our superb Hong Kong hub to connect to the network of Cathay Pacific. We look forward to welcoming guests from Air Seychelles onto our flights soon."

Air Seychelles Chief Executive Officer Cramer Ball said, "We are delighted to enter this deal with Cathay Pacific Airways which will go a long way to support the growing desire for flights between the Seychelles and China, as well as Asia generally. Both airlines are now poised to benefit from that demand. This deal is a win-win for both airlines, and we look forward to strengthening our affiliation with our new friends at Cathay Pacific in the future."

Mr Cramer Ball paid a visit to Hong Kong and attended a ceremony held at Cathay Pacific City on 11 November 2013 for the signing of the new code-share agreement.