At this time of year, a Cathay Pacific trip from Hong Kong to New York represents a true round of the globe, with the Airbus A350 traversing both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.
Due to the instability in Europe's airspace as a result of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the journey is being extended, with the return leg set to become the world's longest commercial passenger trip.
Singapore Airlines is on the verge of relinquishing its record for the longest flight.
Singapore Airlines' Airbus A350 is a popular choice on the Singapore to New York route, which is now the longest in the world.
At the moment, the longest flight is Singapore Airlines' service between Singapore and New York, which covers 15,349 kilometers (9,500 miles) in an average of 17:30 hours.
However, Cathay Pacific's journey between New York and Hong Kong is lengthier. It will traverse the Atlantic Ocean and then take a detour via Europe, covering approximately 16,618 kilometers (10,300 miles) in 16-17 hours.
The Hong Kong to New York trip takes a standard route over the Pacific Ocean, passing the US coast at Seattle and continuing on to New York, with an average flight time of approximately 15:30 hours.
With stronger Atlantic tailwinds this time of year, the return journey from New York to Hong Kong continues eastward across the Atlantic Ocean, utilizing the favorable jetstream.
Prior to the Ukraine war, FlightRadar24.com data indicates that flight CX845 departed from John F. Kennedy International Airport and traveled through Greenland, the Arctic, Russia, Mongolia, and China before arriving in Hong Kong.
The typical flight duration on this trip is around fifteen and a half hours for the 12,990 kilometers (8,000 miles) in an Airbus A350-1000.
Cathay will be the new champion due to the avoidance of Ukraine and Russia.
On a modified New York to Hong Kong route, the Airbus A350-1000 will demonstrate its ultra-long-haul capabilities. Cathay Pacific already operates a modified London-Hong Kong route that circumvents both Ukrainian and Russian airspace. Today, CX252 headed to the south of Ukraine, passing through Romania, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, and China on its way to Hong Kong.
The precise new route from New York will become clear when CX845, a Cathay Pacific Airbus A350-1000, departs JFK on April 3 for its home base in Hong Kong. Given the dwindling favorable winds, Cathay may not maintain the record for long.
Cathay Pacific customers traveling tomorrow will link through partner aircraft from JFK to San Francisco International Airport, where they will connect to one of Cathay Pacific's numerous flights over the Pacific to Hong Kong.
With jet fuel prices rising, Cathay will continuously monitor the flight path and analyze data to strike a balance between Pacific and Atlantic crossings.
With losses of HK$27 billion ($3.4 billion) over the previous two years and a projected passenger capacity of just 717,000 in 2021, the airline does not need to operate at a loss on each flight.
The Hong Kong government stated on March 21 that it will ease flight restrictions to nine countries beginning April 1, including the United States, Australia, Canada, France, India, and the United Kingdom, which is excellent news for Cathay Pacific.
However, the flights would be restricted to properly vaccinated Hong Kong citizens. They will require documentation of a negative PCR and seven days of quarantine upon arrival.
Foreign nationals will have to wait, but repatriating locals could help Cathay Pacific increase its load factors over the meager 31% forecast for 2021.
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