Cathay Pacific Airways said it will operate over a trans-Atlantic route for the first time in its history as part of its inaugural round-the-world freighter service, which launches July 9.

Hong Kong-based Cathay said the flight will link Hong Kong with Anchorage, Alaska; Chicago, Ill.; Amsterdam, the Netherlands; and Dubai, United Arab Emirates, before returning to Hong Kong. The Chicago-Amsterdam leg marks the first time the carrier has flown over the Atlantic.

The flight will operate twice weekly, on Fridays and Sundays, and will use a Boeing 747-400 freighter.

The round-the-world flight expands Cathay's service to Chicago, which it currently serves with eight weekly flights.

The round-the-world flight will take about 44.5 hours to operate, including the ground time spent loading freight, Cathay said.