Cathay Pacific Airways yesterday celebrated the upcoming launch of its new service to Milan, the commercial centre and fashion capital of Italy. When the four-times-weekly service begins on 28 March, Cathay Pacific will be the only airline operating direct flights between Hong Kong and Milan.

The airline's Chief Executive, Tony Tyler, officiated at a cocktail reception at the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong to mark the launch of the new service, with more than 200 guests in attendance. Milan fashion house Trussardi, legendary Italian car manufacturer Maserati, leading wine producer Frescobaldi and international hotel group Hyatt Hotels and Resorts were the main sponsors for the evening, with a fashion show by Trussardi one of the event's highlights.

The airline's presence in Italy dates back almost 24 years to the launch of its twice-weekly service to Rome. Mr Tyler said at the event that he was fortunate enough to be chosen to open the airline's Italian operation way back in April 1986, "when my hair was a bit thicker and darker than it is today".

The officiating guests at the event pulled a control stick to get the new Cathay Pacific Milan service ready for takeoff. Pictured from left to right are John Slosar, Chief Operating Officer, Cathay Pacific; Romano Baruzzi, Italian Trade Commissioner; Jasper Tsang, President of the Legislative Council; Eva Cheng, Secretary for Transport and Housing; Tony Tyler, Chief Executive, Cathay Pacific; Luca Fraticelli, Deputy Consul General, Consulate General of Italy in Hong Kong; Marvin Cheung, Chairman of Airport Authority Hong Kong and KC Chan, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury.