Source: IATA Jet Fuel Price Monitor
By HANNA GRASS
HONG KONG – Soaring jet prices are poised to affect flights in Asia but travelers with the Montana Journalism Abroad trip are reaching their destination ahead of any disruptions.
Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific Airways announced it would cut 2% of flights starting in late May. Those cuts will mostly affect shorter, regional flights, according to the airline.
Students and faculty from the University of Montana will be in Nepal studying water and conservation issues until May 22. Two thirds of the group are in Kathmandu now, anticipating the arrival of the third group Wednesday evening.
Cathay Pacific said it is also reassessing rates every two weeks after a sharp rise in jet fuel costs due to shortages in jet fuel related to the war in Iran. Cathay Pacific Airways is adding a fuel surcharge to all tickets, regardless of fare type. The price hike is calculated per flight segment and included in ticket prices shown on the airline’s direct booking channels. The surcharge, which was last updated May 8, applies to routes connecting Asia and the South Pacific.
However, according to the South China Morning Post, Cathay Pacific Airways plans to lower its fuel surcharges for passenger flights by as much as 12.9% starting May 16 as a part of their “agile response” to the ongoing energy price crisis.
Cathay Pacific Airways offers direct flights from Seattle to Hong Kong five times per week, Monday through Thursday and Saturday. Based on the full flight and winding service desk lines, this route is in high demand for both returning natives and as a leg in longer journeys.
In Cathay’s March 30 article, Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Lavinia Lau said, “We are excited to resume direct passenger flights to Seattle, reinforcing our goal to deepen business and cultural ties between Hong Kong and a dynamic tech hub in the United States. This route not only provides greater convenience for our customers, but also supports the growing demand for connectivity between Asia and North America, particularly among travelers from the Chinese Mainland and India.”
Students flew the Seattle-Hong Kong leg aboard Cathay Pacific’s Airbus A350-900 aircraft. The 13-hour flight offered two complimentary meals and assorted beverages, tailoring to a variety of dietary needs. Even the infants aboard received specific meals.
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