11 Aug 2012

Cathay Pacific Welcomes Environmental Impact Assessment Study Brief for Third Runway Option at HKIA

Cathay Pacific Airways welcomes the Director of Environmental Protection's issuance of a Study Brief for the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of a third runway at Hong Kong International Airport.

Cathay Pacific Chief Executive John Slosar said: "This is another important step forward in building a critically needed third runway for Hong Kong. As we have shared from the beginning, we believe a constructive community engagement will be able to identify and resolve any issues of concern. We are firm believers that economic development and environmental protection can go hand in hand for the betterment of Hong Kong."

With air transportation playing a significant role in empowering Hong Kong's economic success, Cathay Pacific has been a strong proponent of a third runway at HKIA. The airline has also stated that potential environmental issues surrounding the airport expansion must be explored and minimised. For its part, Cathay Pacific is continuing an aggressive fleet modernisation programme which helps reduce CO2 emissions, fuel usage and noise footprints. The airline currently has 99 new aircraft on order for delivery and will phase out less efficient aircraft as the new planes are delivered.

Cathay Pacific welcomes HKIA's commitment to a comprehensive and thorough EIA process and looks forward to participating.