1. Airbus delivers 500th aircraft of A330/A340 Family

http://www.airbus.com/airbus4u/articles_detail.asp?ae_id=1325

Airbus' strength in the medium to ultra-long range market was confirmed today when the500th aircraft from the A330/A340 Family was delivered to ILFC in Toulouse.

The aircraft, an A340-600, will be operated by Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific Airways, which was the first airline in the world to operate members of both the A330 and A340 types. The airline currently operates a fleet of two A340-600s, 15 A340-300s and 20A330-300s.

2. Cathay Pacific designated to operate services to Beijing (2003-6-18)

http://www.cathaypacific.com/hk/aboutus/press/0,1595,41097-95447,00.html

Cathay Pacific Airways confirmed on 2003-6-18 that is has been designated by the Hong Kong SAR Government to operate passenger and cargo services between Hong Kong and Beijing.

The airline initially intends to operate three passenger services and three freight erservices each week to and from the capital city.

Cathay Pacific now intends to begin the process of seeking operational approval and obtaining slots from the Chinese Mainland authorities, with a view to commencing services some time during the winter of 2003.

But I think the route would not be attractive at all if there are only 3 weekly flights between Beijing & Hong Kong. Cathay Pacific should run at least 3 daily flights between Beijing & Hong Kong, if it wants to be competitive, as the competitors, like Air China & Dragonair, operates no fewer than 3 daily flights of the same route.

3. EVA AIR TAKES DELIVERY OF FIRST A330-200

EVA Air of Taiwan has taken delivery of the first of ten A330-200 aircraft, becoming anew Airbus operator and the first A330-200 operator in Taiwan.

http://www.airbus.com/dynamic/media/press_releases.asp#1330

Each of EVA Air's 252-seat A330-200s will feature a two-class layout comprising 24 business class seats and 228 seats in economy class. They are all powered by GeneralElectric CF6-80E1A3 engines.

4. Emirates operates flights to Auckland from 2003-8-1

http://www.emirates.com/AboutEmirates/EmiratesNews/news_20363.asp?ComponentID=20363&SourcePageID=955#1

From 2003-8-1, daily flights to Sydney and Melbourne will be extended on to Auckland providing a total of 14 flights weekly in each direction.

Emirates daily flights to Brisbane, scheduled to start October 26, will also be extended to Auckland, increasing Emirates' services across the Tasman Sea to 21 weekly. The airline has full traffic rights between Auckland and all three Australian gateways.

How unbelievable it is for Emirates to operate 3 flights to Auckland, even it has full traffic flights between Auckland and the 3 Australian gateways, so passengers travelling between Auckland and the 3 Australian gateways can take Emirates flights!