Dragonair today launched flights to Busan in South Korea, operating a thrice-weekly service to the city. It is Dragonair's first scheduled service to South Korea and the second destination it has launched since becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of Cathay Pacific in September last year.

"We're very excited about this new service to Busan, as it offers non-stop links to this fast-developing city from Hong Kong for the first time," CEO Kenny Tang said. "It also gives people in the southeast of Korea access to the international hub of Hong Kong."

Dragonair's partner airline, Cathay Pacific, is codesharing on the service and is also marketing through its international network.

Last month, Mr. Tang paid a two-day visit to the city to meet with officials and promote the new service.

"We have already set up an office in Busan and have begun recruiting Korean cabin crew in Seoul," he noted. "All the effort we have been putting into the launch demonstrates the importance of the South Korea market to us."

The flights to Busan use A320 aircraft, and operate on the following schedule:

"Busan is the second-largest city in South Korea, and is developing as a hub for both business and leisure travellers," Mr Tang noted. "Dragonair's air services will also help to facilitate trade and cultural exchanges between our home town and this important region of Korea."

Dragonair is a Hong Kong-based airline operating a fleet of 28 passenger aircraft to 30 regional destinations, including 21 cities in the China Mainland. Dragonair is part of the Cathay Pacific Group, providing seamless connectivity for passengers to over 100 cities around the globe.

Dragonair web site address: www.dragonair.com