HONG KONG , Oct. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Korean Air is proud to mark two major milestones: 55 years of passenger service and 50 years of cargo operations to Hong Kong , underscoring its long-standing commitment to connecting Korea and Hong Kong . Korean Air's inaugural flight to Hong Kong took place in October 1969 , establishing a vital route that has grown into one of the airline's most important international services.
The airline's first international route launched on October 2, 1969 , and connected Seoul , Osaka , Taipei , Hong Kong , Saigon and Bangkok . At that time, long-haul routes often included multiple stopovers, benefiting from fifth-freedom traffic rights, and this strategy facilitated regional cooperation, positioning Korean Air as a critical bridge in Asia . In response to increasing demand, Korean Air introduced a direct Seoul - Hong Kong route on December 2, 1969 .
The airline further expanded its offerings by launching its first cargo service to Hong Kong on September 9, 1974 . Over the past five decades, the Hong Kong cargo route has played a pivotal role in Korean Air's cargo operations, connecting Asia with the rest of the world. What started with two weekly passenger flights has grown into 28 weekly flights, making the Hong Kong passenger route the busiest in Korean Air's Greater China network.
Recently, the airline expanded its regional presence by launching new services to Macau , further solidifying its position in the Asian market. To commemorate t.