The Cathay Pacific Group will increase its domestic passenger routes in mainland China to 22.

Cathay Pacific will operate direct flights between Hong Kong and Urumqi, Xinjiang four times a week starting from April 28. Cathay Pacific CEO Lin Shaobo stated at a celebration on April 25 that this will be Cathay Pacific's 20th destination in mainland China. With the addition of the routes from Hong Kong Express to Changzhou and Yiwu in May, the total number of passenger destinations in mainland China for the Cathay Pacific group will increase to 22. Urumqi became one of the cities for travel to Hong Kong and Macau last year, and it is also an important hub connecting to Central Asia. Hong Kong's Secretary for Transport and Housing, Frank Chan, mentioned that Hong Kong needs to deepen international connections and cooperation, as well as to expand into new markets and sources of goods. The current government not only focuses on aviation and maritime logistics but also emphasizes the development of tourism, culture, and the combination of economy. As an international aviation hub, Hong Kong cannot focus solely on passenger or cargo traffic, but also needs to diversify its services. The government is currently promoting foreign investment in Hong Kong, including airport services such as aircraft maintenance, dismantling, and talent training.