On November 20, Dragonair announced that it will launch services to Busan in South Korea on January 19, 2007. Flights will operate three times a week using A320 aircraft. It will be Dragonair's first scheduled service in South Korea and the airline's second destination launch since it became a wholly owned subsidiary of Cathay Pacific in September this year. A daily service to Phuket in Thailand launches on December 15.

"We're delighted to be launching scheduled services to Busan, a destination to which we have been operating occasional chartered flights for many years," said Chief Executive Officer Kenny Tang.

"Busan is the second largest city in South Korea and is becoming increasingly popular as a travel destination. Given that the city is also a major marine and logistics hub, we believe the launch of regular services will benefit both business and leisure travellers."

The flight schedule, which is subject to government approval, is as follows: Dragonair flight KA300 will depart Hong Kong at 14:30, arrive in Busan at 18:45. Dragonair flight KA301 will leave Busan at 19:45, then arrive in Hong Kong at 22:50. All services are to be operated on Wednesdays, Fridays & Sundays.

As well as serving the needs of travellers in Hong Kong, Busan and other nearby cities such as Daegu in South Korea, the route will provide convenient connections for long-haul travellers, strengthening Hong Kong's status as an international hub.

"The integration with Cathay Pacific enables us to draw on its extensive worldwide network to bring more passengers through Hong Kong to connect with destinations such as Busan and Phuket," said Mr. Tang. "Advanced booking for Phuket has been favourable and we also expect flights to Busan to be popular with both international travellers as well as with the Hong Kong public."