Cathay Pacific is looking to bolster its network within the countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)  to take advantage of growth opportunities within the regional markets.

Cathay Group Chief Executive Officer Ronald Lam recently joined a high-level delegation led by Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive John Lee Ka-Chiu and concluded a six-day visit to three ASEAN countries — Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam — underscoring the region's significance to Cathay's expanding network and future growth.

Throughout the visit, Lam toured a variety of local enterprises and major infrastructure projects in these countries, gaining valuable insights into their latest developments while seeking out new avenues to foster synergy and strengthen ties in trade, commerce, technology and tourism between Hong Kong and the vibrant ASEAN region.

"As Hong Kong's home carrier, Cathay is committed to furthering the growth of Hong Kong as an international aviation hub and enhancing connectivity between Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland to the rest of the world. Our visit to the three ASEAN countries attests to the immense potential we see in these dynamic regional markets," Lam said.

He noted that the completion of Hong Kong International Airport's Three-Runway System will unlock growth opportunities for the carrier to continue to strengthen its existing routes and deepen its network and collaboration across the ASEAN.

The Cathay Group, which includes passenger airlines Cathay Pacific and HK Express, currently flies to 17 ASEAN destinations, with over 360 flights per week.

Cathay celebrates 75 years since its first flight to Vietnam this year. The carrier said in a statement that Cathay Pacific and HK Express currently operate flights to three destinations in Vietnam, including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Danang.

To expand its presence in the country, HK Express — Cathay's low-cost carrier — plans to launch a new route to Phu Quoc in the fourth quarter of 2024.

Meanwhile, on the Cambodia leg of the visit, Lam signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Cambodia Airports Chief Executive Officer Cyril Girot to reinforce the partnership between the two parties.

As part of the MoU, Cathay Pacific will boost its flight frequency to Phnom Penh from five per week to daily starting from October 27, 2024, reflecting its confidence in the Cambodia market and growing customer demand.