Airline News in Brief 07 June 2026

Cathay Pacific to launch direct flights to Almaty: Affirming Cathay’s ongoing commitment to growing Hong Kong’s connectivity with Belt and Road countries, Cathay Pacific is pleased to announce plans to launch direct flights to Almaty, Kazakhstan’s commercial and cultural capital, in the first quarter of 2027. The airline plans to operate three flights per week using an Airbus A330-300 widebody aircraft, which will be the only direct service linking Hong Kong and Kazakhstan. Attending a ceremony alongside President of Almaty International Airport Goker Kose and Deputy Head of the Tourism Department of Almaty Akmaral Yeshanova, Cathay said: “Central Asia is a strategically important Belt and Road region that offers ample business opportunities. As Hong Kong’s home hub carrier, Cathay has aligned interests with the HKSAR Government in strengthening our connectivity with this emerging market. Last year, we launched direct flights to Urumqi in Northwestern China, a city whose close proximity to Central Asia extended our reach not only in the Chinese Mainland, but also to other key destinations along the Belt and Road. As we celebrate ‘80 Years Together’ with our home city, we are excited to build on that momentum by announcing plans to operate direct flights between Hong Kong and Almaty, our first ever destination in Central Asia, fostering new opportunities for people, cargo and capital flow with this dynamic region.” Kazakhstan is Central Asia’s most developed economy with key industries including manufacturing, mining and industrial production. It is Hong Kong’s largest trading partner and leading export market in the region. Meanwhile, demand between the Chinese Mainland and Central Asia has grown steadily in recent years, underpinned by trade, investment and Belt and Road activity. The country also has a growing tourism sector offering summer and winter outdoor activities and is set to host the Asian Winter Games in 2029. Korean Air expands First Class pre-order meal service: Korean Air is expanding its First Class pre-order meal service to long-haul flights departing from overseas destinations, further enhancing its premium inflight dining experience. The expanded service applies to flights departing from nine cities: Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Washington D.C., Paris, London and Frankfurt. Passengers may place orders from June 1 for flights departing on or after June 22. First Class passengers can select both their first and second meals through the Korean Air website or mobile app from 21 days up to 24 hours before departure. Guests can customize their dining experience by choosing from Korean, Western or vegetarian main dishes, along with curated appetizers and soups. Additional vegetarian options are also available exclusively through the pre-order system. Korean Air first introduced its pre-order meal service for Prestige Class in January 2023 and expanded it to First Class flights departing from Korea in October 2024. With the latest expansion, First Class passengers departing from key overseas destinations can now enjoy the same convenience and guaranteed meal selection. “By expanding our pre-order meal service to overseas departures, we are offering First Class passengers a more personalized and seamless dining experience,” said a Korean Air representative. “This service enhances the passenger experience while strengthening the precision and quality behind Korean Air’s premium inflight dining.” Jetstar taps Armchair II for accessibility: Jetstar, as part of a major revamp of its Boeing 787 international fleet, has purchased 48 of the new Airchair II units from UK-based manufacturer Airchair, underlining the fact that accessibility is a core priority for the airline. Jetstar said the selection of the Airchair II reflects a commitment to ensure all customers can travel with confidence and dignity – it’s part of a broader accessibility roadmap that includes investments in ground services, customer communication, and onboard equipment.   Prior to choosing the Airchair II Jetstar ran a comprehensive procurement process, comparing other aisle chairs to the model it was using. As well as offering an industry leading Suddenly Applied Weight rating of 250kg/550lb the Airchair II weighs just 6.8kg/15lb and can therefore be stowed easily in overhead lockers by cabin crew irrespective of their size or strength. Similarly, its intuitive design allows deployment with the minimum of instruction. Commenting on the agreement, Sarah McOnie of Airchair said, “We are thrilled that another high-profile airline has chosen to use the Airchair II. Our belief is that all passenger aircraft should have an aisle chair onboard that truly meets their needs and Jetstar’s initiative in this area will mean that for passengers flying out of Australia that is becoming closer to reality.” Hong Kong Airlines garners 13 awards: Hong Kong Airlines has achieved outstanding results once again at the Airport Safety Recognition Scheme 2025/2026 organised by Airport Authority Hong Kong, clinching a total of 13 awards including a corporate award. This achievement highlights the airline’s exemplary performance in aviation and occupational safety, as well as the tireless efforts and unified commitment of its entire team to raise the standard of safety excellence. Coinciding with the company’s official relocation to the Terminal 2 (T2) of Hong Kong International Airport, the presentation ceremony was successfully held on 2 June at the new T2. Hong Kong Airlines was honoured with the “Airport Safety Advancement”. This marks the seventh consecutive year the airline has received the corporate award, recognising Hong Kong Airlines’ dedicated contributions to fostering a safety-first culture, rigorously implementing operational protocols, and continuously improving airport safety measures. Hong Kong Airlines also swept 12 awards in the individual and group categories, with a total of 36 employees from various departments receiving accolades. The awards span categories including “Accident Prevention Measures”, “Best Safety Supervisor”, and “Good Safety Suggestion”. Air Astana resumes Dubai service: Air Astana will resume regular services from Almaty to Dubai from 20 June 2026 and from Astana to Dubai from 10 July 2026. Due to the closure of Iranian airspace, flights will operate via Pakistan to ensure the continued safety and reliability of services. Flight frequencies will be restored gradually as follows: Almaty–Dubai–Almaty 15–21 June: 2 flights a week (Saturday, Sunday); 22–28 June: 4 flights a week (Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday); 29 June – 5 July: 6 flights a week (daily except Tuesday)6–12 July: 7 flights a week (daily). Astana–Dubai–Astana 10–19 July: 3 flights a week (Friday, Saturday, Sunday); 20–26 July: 4 flights a week (Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday); 27 July – 2 August: 5 flights a week (daily except Monday and Wednesday); 3–9 August: 7 flights a week (daily). Passengers whose tickets have already been rebooked for departures up to 31 July 2026 may change their booking free of charge to an earlier flight from 20 June for travel from Almaty and from 10 July for travel from Astana. The airline continues to monitor developments in the region and may make further adjustments to the schedule if required. Passengers will be informed promptly of any changes. 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