Cathay Pacific Airways today announced that it will support the HKSAR Government's new Internship Programme for University Graduates (UGIP) by offering special fares to its two destinations in Mainland China for those who need to travel for their placements.

The airline is offering participants in the programme a return fare of just HK$880 to either Beijing or Shanghai for departures between 1 August 2009 and 31 July 2010. The tickets, which are only open to UGIP participants for travel to and from the cities in which they are placed, are being sold at as much as more than 70% below the current lowest market fare.

The UGIP scheme is being launched by the Government to address the needs of university graduates in acquiring the qualities and gaining the experience that will help to develop their career opportunities as well as enrich their lives. The programme will help to nurture talents that will help to sustain the long-term development of Hong Kong.

Cathay Pacific Director Corporate Affairs Quince Chong said: "As the airline of Hong Kong, Cathay Pacific is pleased to lend its support to this important new Government initiative that will help new graduates get their first step on the ladder to future success. We believe the special fares offered by our airline will be welcomed by those graduates taking up placements in Beijing and Shanghai."

The Cathay Pacific Group has given its wholehearted back to UGIP, with sister airline Dragonair also offering special fares to a number of Mainland cities. Cathay Pacific Catering Services (CPCS), a wholly owned subsidiary of Cathay Pacific, will participate by accepting a number of graduates for a six-month training programme. Those with an outstanding performance will have the opportunity to join CPCS's permanent Supervisory Trainee Programme.