Marking three years since its inaugural flight from Manchester to Hong Kong in December 2014, Cathay Pacific is this week boosting its direct flights into a daily service.

Increasing from five flights per week, the airline says the announcement responds to customers’ growing demand.

Talking about the increase in frequency, James Ginns, Cathay Pacific’s regional general manager Europe, said: “Boosting our Manchester flights into a daily service highlights the popularity of the route and the global importance of the Northern Powerhouse.

“We are delighted to be part of the journey in forging further links between the North West, Asia and beyond. The Northern Powerhouse and Hong Kong share a parallel focus on science, innovation, technology and the arts; both dynamic cities are built on hard-working, business-savvy communities with a huge appetite for arts and culture. We would like to take this opportunity to thank those living in the region who have helped to make the route such a success.”

Those travelling from Manchester to Hong Kong can experience Cathay Pacific’s service onboard its Airbus A350 aircraft.

Return fares start from £746 in economy.