Cathay Pacific Fully Supports the Government's Initiatives to Uphold and Strengthen the Hong Kong's International Aviation Hub Status

Cathay Pacific is encouraged by the Hong Kong SAR Government's initiatives to continue strengthening the Hong Kong international aviation hub, as outlined in the Budget Speech given today by Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong SAR Government, Paul Chan Mo-po.

Cathay Pacific Group Chief Executive Officer Ronald Lam said: "As the home carrier of Hong Kong for more than 76 years, Cathay Pacific is a key enabler of the city's economic development through our ability to connect it to the Chinese Mainland and the rest of the world.

"We are actively rebuilding Cathay Pacific for Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area and the Chinese Mainland. We are focused on reconnecting - by growing our flight capacity and network of destinations as soon as feasible.

"As stated by the Financial Secretary, the Central People's Government's 14th Five-Year Plan affirms and supports Hong Kong's important role as an international aviation hub for the Greater Bay Area (GBA) and for the country. We will continue to contribute in maintaining and strengthening the Hong Kong hub."

Cathay Pacific looks forward to the further enhancement of Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) as a regional multi modal transportation hub after the commencement of operations at the SkyPier Terminal in the middle of this year, as well as the completion of the entire Three-Runway System at HKIA by the end of 2024.

Mr Lam said: "The potential of the GBA, which we see as our extended home market, is extremely promising and we welcome efforts to cooperate with our fellow cities in the GBA to develop the aviation sector across the region. The Airport Authority Hong Kong's (AAHK) plans to develop a new aviation business park on the Airport Island, as well as exploring the feasibility of building an aviation industrial park in Zhuhai, are positive developments."

Cathay Pacific also welcomes AAHK's relief measures and incentives to support the recovery of air traffic, its efforts to address the industry's medium-to-long-term manpower resources situation, as well as the enhanced commitment to the training and development of industry professionals via the GBA Youth Aviation Industry Internship Programme and the Maritime and Aviation Training Fund.

Finally, Cathay Pacific will continue to enliven Hong Kong's image as a world-renowned events capital and welcome visitors to our home city. In addition to supporting the "Hello Hong Kong" campaign, the airline has been a longstanding sponsor of mega events such as the Hong Kong Sevens and Clockenflap, helping to put Hong Kong on the world stage.