Cathay Pacific Welcomes Chief Executive's Policy Address

Cathay Pacific Airways welcomes the commitment made by the Hong Kong Government to maintain Hong Kong's long-term competitiveness as a major aviation hub and international logistics centre, as outlined in the Policy Address given today by the Chief Executive of the HKSAR, Mr C Y Leung.

Cathay Pacific Chief Executive John Slosar said: "We welcome the Government's emphasis on the urgent need to construct a third runway to maintain Hong Kong's position as an aviation hub, especially given that capacity at the airport is expected to reach saturation point within a couple of years. Developing our home airport is particularly important as neighbouring airports in the Pearl River Delta - and throughout the Asian region - are actively moving forward with expansion projects. The onus is on ensuring that Hong Kong International Airport can remain competitive and continue to thrive.

"We are also very encouraged by the Government's acknowledgement that the full operation of the Cathay Pacific Cargo Terminal has helped to reinforce Hong Kong's position as an international and regional logistics centre. We are pleased that the Government will continue to improve facilities to capture the opportunities brought by the growth of trade with the Mainland and Asia as a whole."

As the home carrier of Hong Kong, and one of the city's largest employers, Cathay Pacific looks forward to sharing its expertise and experience in training aviation professionals through the Government's proposed civil aviation training institute, helping to develop human capital for both the local and regional aviation industries.

Cathay Pacific has been operating in Hong Kong for more than 67 years. As a long-standing member of the airport community, the airline supports the Government's proposal to further the development of communities in Tung Chung and North Lantau.

Mr Slosar said: "We look forward to sharing our views through the proposed Lantau Development Advisory Committee to help prepare the Government's economic and social development strategy for Lantau."