RIYADH: Direct flights between Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia are scheduled to begin in October this year. The move comes after the Air Connectivity Program signed a cooperation agreement with Cathay Pacific Airways, Saudi Press Agency reported. The agreement was announced in Hong Kong in the presence of the Saudi Consul General Hamad Al-Jibreen, Hong Kong Minister of Transport and Logistics Mr. Lam Sai-hung, and the executive management of ACP and Cathay Pacific. Majid Khan, CEO of ACP, said: “Launching direct flights between Hong Kong and Riyadh with Cathay Pacific will enhance Saudi Arabia’s air connectivity network with our key markets. “Travelers from Hong Kong and Cathay Pacific’s network, including China, Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia, and other countries in the Asia-Pacific region, will be able to explore the vast tourism potential of Saudi Arabia.” Ronald Lam, CEO of Cathay Pacific Group, said the move would strengthen the airline’s network in the Middle East. The new flights would offer more travel options and greater comfort for passengers traveling to and from the Kingdom, he added, providing opportunities for business, trade and tourism. Lam said: “As the local airline in Hong Kong, our role is to be a bridge between Hong Kong, mainland China, and the rest of the world. Cathay Pacific firmly supports the central government’s Belt and Road Initiative, and we already provide our services to 21 destinations in 14 participating countries worldwide. “We will continue to develop aviation services along our current main routes as well as routes connecting Hong Kong with countries and regions participating in the Belt and Road Initiative.” The ACP serves as the executive enabler of the National Tourism Strategy and the National Aviation Strategy, fostering cooperation and building partnerships between key players in the public and private sectors in tourism and aviation.