Hong Kong's flag carrier plans to launch direct flights to Almaty, Kazakhstan, which lawmakers say could reduce travel time by 10 hours and boost tourism and business ties between the regions.

South China Morning Post

Direct flights between Hong Kong and Kazakhstan could save business travellers up to 10 hours and open the city’s shorelines to tourists from landlocked Central Asia, lawmakers have said after the flag carrier announced plans to launch an Almaty route next year.
Lawmaker Jonathan Stuart Lamport, who represents the business sector, on Thursday said the announcement had received widespread support from the industry, as direct flights between Hong Kong and Almaty would significantly strengthen ties