Kolkata, March 11 (IANS): Global airlines operator Cathay Pacific Airways on Wednesday said it is starting a bi-weekly non-stop freighter service from Kolkata airport to Hong Kong, aimed at boosting import and export in the region.

Operating on Thursdays and Sundays, the company will operate Boeing B747-400F aircrafts to carry an estimated 30 tonnes of cargo to and fro Kolkata.

The company said Kolkata is the sixth freighter destination in India along with Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad.

"The announcement of the launch of freighter services has generated excitement in trade and we are confident that we will be able to cater to the needs of the market from this region."

"This latest addition to our freighter network will strengthen ties between Kolkata and Hong Kong and help to reinforce Hong Kong's position as a leading aviation hub," said C. Stewart-Cox, the company's general manager for South Asia, Middle East and Africa.

Cathay Pacific presently has 25 freighter departures from India every week.