Cathay Pacific's inaugural flight to NZCH (Christchurch)

The first flight of Cathay Pacific's seasonal service between Hong Kong and Christchurch has touched down for the first time. Flight CX123 left Hong Kong on Friday afternoon and landed at Christchurch airport 7.08am on Saturday.

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photo credit:www.routesonline.com

"As the only direct flight from Christchurch to Hong Kong, I am sure the service will prove popular with locals and international visitors alike," Christchurch mayor Liane Dalziel said.

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It will operate three times per week, departing Hong Kong on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays and flown by one of the airline’s new Airbus A350 fleet, providing a welcome boost for tourism to Canterbury and the South Island. The Asian carrier has served New Zealand since 1983 but solely into North Island.

Aviation enthusiasts skipped their Saturday morning sleep-in to watch Cathay Pacific’s newest A350-900 land at Christchurch.