U.S.-to-China air routes fastest growing at SFO

Cathay Pacific is adding an afternoon flight at SFO. Its initial launch is at 1:35 p.m. Thursday. The flight arrives at 7 p.m. Friday. The airline's other Hong Kong flight departs SFO daily at 1 a.m., and arrives the next day around 6 a.m. or 7 a.m.

Cathay Pacific's new nonstop service is geared for travelers who want to arrive in Hong Kong in the evening, so they can rest up for the next day, said Lai. The flight is about 13 hours.

The price for an economy seat ranges from $800 to

$1,200 round-trip, depending upon the day and how far in advance the flight is booked.

Current Cathay Pacific flights to Hong Kong have been averaging about 80 percent full, said Lai.

As part of the launch, Cathay Pacific is rolling out a new long-haul fleet of Boeing 777-300 aircraft.

The airline is also offering bonus miles for travelers -- up to 15,000 miles for first-class travel -- on the new flight.