Cathay Pacific Airways today welcomed the range of initiatives outlined by the Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, in his Policy Address, particularly those relating to Hong Kong-Pearl River Delta connectivity, aviation, social enterprise and tourism.

Cathay Pacific Chief Executive Tony Tyler, said: "The various cross-boundary infrastructure projects outlined by Mr Tsang are very significant and tremendously important in maintaining and strengthening Hong Kong's links with the Mainland.

"As Hong Kong's home carrier, we were particularly interested in the announcement of a task force to study a rail link between Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) and Shenzhen Airport.

"Such a link should have great potential for new opportunities to increase passenger and cargo traffic between Hong Kong and the Mainland, and we would be very happy to contribute our expertise and experience to the work of the task force.

"We also support the initiatives to study the need for a third runway and measures to improve runway capacity at HKIA, and the establishment of a new air route to cater for flights between Hong Kong and the eastern part of the Mainland. It is important to see these developments in the context of Hong Kong's role as the premier aviation hub in the region - a role that Cathay Pacific is firmly committed to growing."

Mr Tyler said Cathay Pacific also supported the Chief Executive's call for business and professionals to become involved in social enterprises. He said the company and its subsidiaries were already involved in such initiatives and were planning to do more in the future.

On the Chief Executive's plan to enhance Hong Kong's appeal as an international convention, exhibition and tourism capital, Mr Tyler welcomed the decision to establish a cross-sector steering committee comprising government and trade representatives to conduct a comprehensive review and formulate relevant development strategies.

"Tourism, conventions and exhibitions are such an important contributor to the economy that the government is absolutely right to focus on ways to meet the threat of much intensified regional competition," Mr Tyler said.

"The new steering committee can count on Cathay Pacific's full support in its task of finding ways to keep Hong Kong ahead of the game in an area that underpins so much business and employment in Hong Kong."