Cathay to PEK
 

Cathay will fly to PEK from Dec 2 and more flights into China to come.

Good news for OWE and Global Explorer flyers! However the schedules don't match at all with AY's HEL-PEK flights.

Why would you (or CX) want them to? CX already codeshares to HEL via LHR on BA. And AY already flies direct to HKG (via BKK).

[This message has been edited by christep (edited 10-22-2003).]

Until now if you fly on a OWE or Global Explorer, it has been almost impossible to visit PEK and continue to other Asian destinations or Australia with an OW carrier.

Don't get too excited - the initial service is only thrice-weekly, so availability for A and D classes will probably be very limited.

There is speculation in the press that Cathay really wants to use its new route rights in China to blackmail Dragonair to codeshare on its flights. Apparently CX can make more money that way. This would be bad news (OWE tickets are invalid on codeshare flights), unless of course Dragonair also joined OneWorld...

>>> JuPe
I understand it's good for visiting PEK on ONE/GLOB fares. What I don't understand is your comment on aligning schedules with AY. In what way would you like to see them aligned?

[This message has been edited by christep (edited 10-22-2003).]

I just tought that aligning schedules would make it possible to fly fast from HEL to HKG via PEK (5164 miles) almost every day and not just 3x a week on AY's flight via BKK (5945 miles). Flying via LHR is also longer (7146 miles).

But if you're flying on CX longer is better http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

I think we don't even have to worry about A class availability yet, because it seems like they are operating with the 2-class version of the 330...

interesting...because what I read a few months ago was, when CX was applying for their own rights to fly, KA was actually trying to get CX to codeshare with KA instead, because KA already has a well-established network and operations there...but CX insisted to get its own plane fly there...

I would be very surprised if this was the case. CX is flying to China because KA against original intentions and through some very Beijing-connected political favor-trading has been allowed to compete on Asian routes. CX was outmanoevered and at one time almost sold its stake in KA. THey are increasingly cose with MU for the same reason. Codeshare has been on and off the table, KA offered it in spring to avoid CX flying in China, as has been said above.

code share is just a marketing gimmick.

no airline really bother about code-sharing if it can get flying right. so it is illogical for any airline to trade traffic right for code share.

Perhaps that applies for Chine, but not the rest of the world. I can cite dozens of examples where a carrier drops service to a destination because it does not have enough traffic, but enters a codeshare so it can still try to retain some of its passengers.

Im stuck because I am a OneWorld addict but think that Dragonairs First class is the best for short (under 5 hour) flights Ive ever experienced.If CX go two class though wont match.Even if they went three class its hard to imagine them bettering Dragonair.

What to do? Its a challenge now because I do HKG PEK occasionally but will be a big question if they ever add Shanghai which Im going to be doing regularly.

I agree, personally I do enjoy KA's service much more than CX's in general...have been flying KA roundtrips HKG-PVG or HKG-PEK every week for the past whole year...

For me, I will definitely still go with KA as much as possible (even after I requalify for KA Platinum soon)...using CX maybe only near year-end when I need some oneworld miles to top-off my account for renewing oneworld status...otherwise, for me it will be quite an easy decision...

yes, you r right to the point. the assumption here is that HKG-PEK is a very profitable route, in fact hkg-pek and hkg-pvg probably contribute 2/3 of KA's profit.
i think the only route that is more lucrative in this region is probably hkg-tpe. (which might be the most profitable in the world).

however, i think once you get the right to fly, u can change it to code-share (instead of forcing a negotiation position for code-share? -- from the regulatory perspsective...i am not sure)


[This message has been edited by pegasus8228 (edited 11-02-2003).]