A link has been established between Brussels Airport and a new destination in China. The direct route between Brussels and Hong Kong – the first ever between the two cities – was launched by the airline Cathay Pacific on Sunday. The Federal Economy Minister Kris Peeters was present at the airport for the inaugural flight. There was a Lion dance in the Departure Lounge to celebrate the event.
The airport launched a new route to Shenzhen on Tuesday. This is its third Chinese destination, after Peking and Shanghai. These flights are all operated by Hainan Airlines.
Hong Kong has now been added to Brussels Airport’s network. Around 50,000 Belgians travel between the two cities every year, but there was no direct flight, before now.
The Chinese metropolis attracts both tourists and business travellers. Brussels Airport says it is “the number one destination in Asia for Belgian Businessmen because it is the base for numerous international financial institutions and a trade centre.” 11% of Belgian exports currently go to Asia and the Airport says this will increase.
The first plane from China touched down at Brussels Airport at 7 am and took off again a little after 1 pm. Cathay Pacific offers flights to over 200 destinations throughout the world and has a fleet of 140 planes. There will be 4 flights between Brussels and Hong Kong every week (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday).
The Brussels Times
