HONG KONG carrier Cathay Pacific Airways on Wednesday released information on two flights which carried a non-Chinese male passenger who has has since tested positive for Influenza A (H1N1).

The two flights, CX831 from New York to Hong Kong which departed May 17, and the connecting CX468 from Hong Kong to Taipei that left on May 18, carried 300 and 293 passengers respectively.

Cathay Pacific said in a statement that it was notified on Wednesday by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan about the passenger's H1N1 flu condition, and will "comply with requests from health authorities in Hong Kong and Taiwan to provide details of the passengers and the operation crew manifest to determine if medical follow-up is necessary."

According to the carrier, the unnamed male passenger flew economy class on the first leg and sat in the same cabin zone  (the same row and the three rows in front and three rows behind him) with 57 passengers.

Twenty-eight of these 57 passengers ended their journey in Hong Kong while the remaining 29 have since left for other destinations including Manila and Hangzhou.

On the Hong Kong-Taipei flight, the male passenger travelled with 61 passengers in the same cabin zone, all of whom ended their journey in Taipei.

In accordance with recommendations and guidance from the World Health Organisation (WHO), International Air Transport Association (IATA), the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Hong Kong Department of Health on cabin cleaning and disinfection, Cathay Pacific has already stepped up cabin-cleaning measures for all aircraft.

The enhanced transit cleanings procedures cover the cabin, bathrooms, galleys, common areas, individual seat and meal table. All used pillows, blankets, headset covers and head rest covers are replaced.

The cleaning/disinfectant solution used is hospital grade biocide.

Cathay Pacific would like to reassure passengers that the airline adopts HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Arresters) filtration systems that are capable of filtering 99.999% of dust particles and airborne contaminates, ensuring the highest possible quality of cabin air.

This state-of-the art filter technology is the same as that used in a hospital surgery room.