Continental Airlines expects its daily non-stop Hong Kong-to-New York service starting March 3 to be profitable by the end of the year, according to senior vice-president Barry Simon. 'Every route, no matter how successful, is always more successful in the second year,' Mr Simon said. 'We expect it to be a solid financial performer for us.' The airline will also carry cargo on the flights. Last week, Northwest Airlines fired the first salvo in what could become a cut-throat battle for passengers on the lucrative Hong Kong-to-New York route - the largest market for business-related travel - when it offered a free flight promotion. However, Mr Simon (pictured) ruled out similar promotions for the HK$12,000 return flight to Newark International Airport, just outside New York. 'Our expectation is that we will succeed not by offering lower prices, but by offering a better service,' he said. From April 1, United Airlines will also offer a daily non-stop service on the route to New York's JFK International Airport. Speaking at the opening of Continental's new office in Central yesterday, Mr Simon said the 16-hour flight would be flown with 283-seat Boeing 777-200 aircraft that were less than two years old. He said the trans-polar flight was still subject to approval from Chinese and Russian authorities. Hong Kong flagship carrier Cathay Pacific Airways has said it is still studying the commercial viability of the New York route.