Dragonair launches daily, non-stop Hong Kong-Bangalore service

Cathay Pacific's wholly-owned subsidiary, Dragonair, celebrated the launch of its new scheduled service to Bangalore in India, with a ceremony held at Bengaluru International Airport following the arrival of the first flight. The Hong Kong-based carrier said that the new destination is a milestone as it marks the first time that the airline is operating passenger flights to, and from, India.

Dragonair is the only airline offering a scheduled non-stop service between Hong Kong and Bangalore with a daily service operated by an A330 aircraft.

Algernon Yau, general manager, ground services and international affairs, said, ''Dragonair has been looking at opportunities in the Indian market for many years, as we have long recognised the huge potential associated with this important, fast-growing country. We, at Dragonair, see strong potential for both business and leisure travel to and from the IT hub of Bengaluru. Our new service offers travellers from the south of India convenient access to Hong Kong with good connections to Dragonair's extensive network in Mainland China and the worldwide network of our sister airline Cathay Pacific.''

To mark the service launch, passengers on the first flight to Bengaluru were handed a traditional Indian souvenir on arrival, while those departing for Hong Kong received a Chinese lucky charm. Officiating guests and operating crew on the first flights also received an Indian traditional scarf as souvenir courtesy of the Bengaluru International Airport Ltd.