Waikato travellers to fly overseas with Cathay Pacific

Pacific Blue and Cathay Pacific Airways have entered into a partnership which will allow passengers to depart from Hamilton International Airport to long haul destinations. Waikato passengers will now be able to travel on Pacific Blue services to Sydney or Brisbane, and then on connecting Cathay Pacific services to Hong Kong and to the rest of the carriers network. Cathay Pacific has released a celebratory launch fare of $2091.00 to Cathay Pacific's eight destinations in Europe. Ian Herald, marketing services manager for Cathay Pacific New Zealand, said the new service would appeal both to Waikato passengers and those from the Bay of Plenty. "A 40 minute drive across to Hamilton is much more appealing and convenient than the two hour drive on a busy state highway to Auckland. "To be able to depart locally without having to worry about missing your flight from Auckland due to delays or hold ups in the drive to Auckland takes a lot of stress out of the start to that overseas trip."