HONG KONG- Cathay Pacific (CX) has officially launched its nonstop passenger service between Hong Kong (HKG) and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), making it the only airline offering a direct connection between these two cities.

The route was previously operated from March 2019 until it was suspended at the start of the pandemic.

The service runs five times weekly on an Airbus A350-900, operating on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. With Seattle now added, Cathay Pacific’s North American passenger network expands to nine destinations, with over 110 return flights per week across the continent during the summer 2026 schedule.

Cathay Pacific Seattle Flights

The 2026 relaunch closes what the carrier describes as a nearly six-year gap for a nonstop link between Hong Kong and Seattle.

The route is operated using the Airbus A350-900, configured with three cabin classes. The aircraft seats passengers across 38 lie-flat business class suites, 28 premium economy recliners, and 214 economy seats.

Cathay Pacific Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Lavinia Lau stated that the launch of the Seattle service reflects the deepening ties between two global centres of innovation, culture, and commerce, with Seattle’s spirit of creativity and entrepreneurship mirroring Hong Kong’s own energy.

She also highlighted the Cathay Group’s investment of over HK$100 billion into its fleet, cabin products, lounges, and digital innovation as part of its commitment to offering a seamless and elevated travel experience.

Port of Seattle Commissioner Sam Cho welcomed the return, noting that the service reconnects the region with a world-class airline and deepens ties with one of Asia’s most vibrant cities, while also providing travelers with access to Cathay’s extensive network across Southeast Asia, Mainland China, and India.

Flight Schedule and Seasonal Operations

The Hong Kong–Seattle service operates across two seasonal windows in 2026. The schedule below applies for 30 March – 31 May 2026 and 16 September – 24 October 2026:

Flight	Origin	Destination	Departure	Arrival	Days
CX852	Hong Kong (HKG)	Seattle (SEA)	13:25	10:05	Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat
CX853	Seattle (SEA)	Hong Kong (HKG)	11:45	16:45+1	Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat

For 1 June – 15 September 2026:

Flight	Origin	Destination	Departure	Arrival	Days
CX852	Hong Kong (HKG)	Seattle (SEA)	13:25	10:20	Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat
CX853	Seattle (SEA)	Hong Kong (HKG)	12:25	16:45+1	Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat

All times are local and subject to change.

Cabin Experience and Onboard Product

The Airbus A350-900 deployed on this route delivers a three-class experience. Business class passengers enjoy fully flat beds, while Premium Economy offers spacious seating with extra legroom.

Cathay Pacific’s Economy class on long-haul flights has been recognised as the world’s best, with inflight menus developed in collaboration with Michelin-starred Hong Kong restaurants across all cabin classes.

The airline’s inflight entertainment system has also been named the world’s best by Skytrax. Passengers connecting through Hong Kong (HKG) gain access to Cathay’s global network covering more than 100 destinations worldwide.

North America Network and Cargo Expansion

Cathay Pacific’s 2026 summer schedule includes over 110 return flights per week across nine North American destinations: Boston, Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Seattle, Toronto, and Vancouver.

The Seattle route also strengthens freight capacity. Belly cargo space on the A350-900 passenger flights complements close to 40 weekly return freighter flights operated by Cathay Cargo to North America during the summer peak.

The A350-900’s temperature-controlled holds make it well-suited for transporting high-value and sensitive cargo such as semiconductors.

80th Anniversary and Special Livery

The inaugural Hong Kong–Seattle flight was operated as part of Cathay Pacific’s 80th anniversary celebrations.

The aircraft featured the airline’s special-edition “lettuce leaf sandwich” livery, marking eight decades since the airline’s founding in 1946.

As a member of the Oneworld alliance, Cathay Pacific partners with American Airlines and Alaska Airlines, allowing travellers to earn and redeem miles on this route through programs such as AAdvantage and Atmos Rewards.

Seattle Travel Guide

Seattle offers a unique mix of urban culture, natural beauty, and tech innovation along the Pacific Northwest coast. From iconic landmarks to hidden neighborhood gems, the city delivers memorable experiences for every type of traveler.

Visitors flying into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) from cities like Singapore via Singapore Airlines (SQ) or from San Francisco via Alaska Airlines (AS) will find a destination packed with diverse attractions, outdoor escapes, and a thriving food and nightlife scene.

Top Attractions and Experiences in Seattle Worth Exploring

Iconic Landmarks

Pike Place Market stands as Seattle’s most recognized public market, operating daily from 9 AM to 6 PM at 85 Pike St. Visitors can watch fishmongers toss salmon, browse artisan shops, and stop at the original Starbucks location. Entry is free, though individual vendor purchases apply.

The Space Needle, built in the 1960s at 400 Broad St, offers panoramic views of Mount Rainier, Elliott Bay, and the Olympic Mountains from its observation deck. It is open daily from 9 AM to 9 PM. Adult tickets cost $35 USD, and children’s tickets are $26 USD.

Chihuly Garden and Glass, located at 305 Harrison St next to the Space Needle, showcases large-scale blown glass installations by artist Dale Chihuly. The museum also features a live glass-blowing exhibition. Admission is $35 USD for adults and $21 USD for children, and it is open daily from 9 AM to 7 PM.

The Great Gum Wall in Post Alley beneath Pike Place Market is a free, 24-hour landmark covered in layers of chewed gum. It functions as an unconventional public art space and remains a popular photo stop for visitors.

Experiences for Young Adults

Gas Works Park at 2101 N Northlake Way preserves the industrial structure of a former coal gasification plant beside Lake Union. The park is open daily from 6 AM to 10 PM and is free to enter. It offers scenic lakeside views and open green space ideal for relaxing evenings.

The Fremont Troll, located under the Aurora Bridge on N 36th St, is a large public sculpture and a well-known Seattle landmark. The surrounding Troll’s Knoll garden also serves as a community green space. Both are accessible 24 hours a day at no cost.

Lake Union Hot Tub Boats at 2520 Westlake Ave N allow groups of up to six people to rent a self-driven, heated wooden boat equipped with Bluetooth speakers. Bookings are available year-round by reservation, starting at $400 USD for two hours.

Family-Friendly Activities

Seattle Aquarium at 1483 Alaskan Way, Pier 59, provides interactive exhibits featuring otters, sea lions, and a 360-degree underwater dome showcasing Puget Sound marine life. It is open daily from 9:30 AM to 5 PM. Adult tickets are $37 USD, and children’s tickets are $25 USD.

PlayDate SEA at 1275 Mercer St is a three-story indoor playground open daily from 9 AM to 8 PM. Admission is $20 USD per child, and the facility includes a café area for parents.

Unique Seattle Experiences

Pioneer Square, Seattle’s oldest neighborhood, features cobblestone streets, art galleries, independent bookshops, and cocktail bars housed in historic brick buildings. Shop hours vary by business.

Bainbridge Island is accessible via a 35-minute ferry from Seattle Ferry Terminal at 801 Alaskan Way. Round-trip adult ferry tickets cost $9 USD. The island offers boutique shops, cafés, and walking trails for a slower-paced half-day escape.

Volunteer Park Conservatory at 1400 E Galer St is a compact glass greenhouse filled with tropical plants, orchids, and succulents. It is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 AM to 4 PM. Admission is $6 USD for adults and $4 USD for children.

Fremont Sunday Market at 3410 Evanston Ave N runs every Sunday from 10 AM to 4 PM and features vintage clothing, artisan goods, and food trucks across the Fremont neighborhood.

Amazon Headquarters at 410 Terry Ave N offers walking tours on most Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 AM and 2 PM. Tours include the urban campus and the famous Spheres biome. Advance reservations are required.

University Village at 2623 NE University Village St combines local boutiques with major retail brands. It is open Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 8 PM and Sunday from 11 AM to 6 PM.

Seattle Premium Outlets in Tulalip, approximately one hour north of the city, features brands such as Coach, Nike, The North Face, and Lululemon at discounts of up to 70%. Hours run Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 9 PM and Sunday from 10 AM to 7 PM.

Molly Moon’s Ice Cream operates multiple locations across Seattle, including Capitol Hill, Queen Anne, Wallingford, and University Village. All ice cream is handmade using organic, locally sourced ingredients. Signature flavors include Salted Caramel, Earl Grey, and Honey Lavender.

Mount Rainier National Park, a two-hour drive from Seattle, offers hiking trails, scenic drives, and mountain views throughout the year. The park is open 24 hours and charges $30 USD per vehicle. Seasonal road closures apply, and visitors should check the National Park Service website before traveling.

Nightlife in Seattle

Capitol Hill is Seattle’s primary nightlife district, located at Capitol Hill, Seattle, WA 98122. The area features craft beer bars, live music venues, dance clubs, and LGBTQ-friendly spaces. Venues include Liberty, Ba Bar, and Le Caviste, with operating hours varying by location.

Seattle Travel Essentials

Best time to visit: Late May through September offers the most favorable weather, with long daylight hours and minimal rainfall.

Getting to downtown from SEA: The Link Light Rail connects Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to downtown in 35 to 40 minutes. Rideshare services and taxis are also available.

Getting around: Downtown Seattle, Capitol Hill, and Belltown are walkable. Ferries, buses, and streetcars cover broader areas. A rental car is useful for day trips to Mount Rainier or Bainbridge Island.

Payments: Seattle is largely cashless-friendly. Most businesses accept contactless card payments.

Tipping: Standard tipping in Seattle and across the US is 15 to 20 percent at restaurants and for service-based jobs.

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