Starting on September 2, the service will operate from Gatwick’s South Terminal with Cathay using new Airbus A350-900 aircraft featuring Business Class, Premium Economy Class and Economy Class.

To celebrate the launch, special fares have been launched for bookings made before December 20. Economy fares are available from £559, Premium Economy from £999 and Business Class from £2,799.

The new service adds to the airline’s current five-times-daily service from Heathrow, and four-times-weekly service from Manchester.

The new service, which is subject to government approval, will mean Cathay will operate a total of 39 flights a week between London and Hong Kong.

Cathay Pacific’s general manager Europe, Neil Glenn, said: “Cathay Pacific has been flying between London and Hong Kong for 35 years and our commitment to the UK market remains strong. We are delighted to launch a non-stop service from Gatwick to Hong Kong, using our new state-of-the-art A350 aircraft, which will help meet increasing demand for both business and leisure travel between the Asia Pacific region and the UK.”

Gatwick Airport’s chief commercial officer Guy Stephenson added: “Hong Kong is the premier gateway to China and the wider Far East and we are delighted to welcome Cathay Pacific to Gatwick. This new scheduled service compliments Gatwick’s rapidly growing network of long haul services, which now boasts over 40 destinations on five continents.”

The service will operate from Gatwick on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, departing 12.35, arriving in Hong Kong the next day at 07.25; the return leaves Hong Kong at 00.55 arriving at 07.10.