Dragonair Welcomes Policy Address Commitment to Expand Airport Capacity and Enhance Trade Links with Mainland

(HONG KONG) Dragonair has welcomed the Government's commitment to maintain Hong Kong's position as an aviation hub and boost its competitiveness, as outlined in the Policy Address given today by the Chief Executive of the HKSAR, Mr C Y Leung.

Dragonair Chief Executive Officer Patrick Yeung said: "We are encouraged by the government's reiteration that there is an urgent need to construct a third runway, and we look forward to the speedy development of this project to ensure that Hong Kong International Airport can continue to thrive."

Dragonair operates passenger and cargo services to 46 regional destinations, including 22 Mainland Chinese cities, from Hong Kong. As such, the airline welcomes the Government's consideration to increase the number of Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices (ETOs) in Asia and expand its network of liaison units in Mainland China.

"Hong Kong is the premier gateway to Mainland China, which itself is one of the fastest growing travel markets in the world. A stronger ETO presence will help strengthen economic and trade ties, and better facilitate the flow of people and cargo to and from Hong Kong," said Mr Yeung.

As a longstanding member of the airport community, Dragonair supports the further development of Tung Chung and Lantau Island which will help to increase the size of the working population living close to the airport. This in turn will support the growth of the aviation sector.

"We are also very encouraged by the Government's initiative to establish a civil aviation training institute. Since our establishment as a home carrier of Hong Kong in 1985, Dragonair has shown strong commitment to the training and development of home-grown talents, including our highly successful cadet pilot training programmes. We look forward to being able to share our expertise and experience," said Mr Yeung.

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Dragonair, an affiliate member of oneworld, is a Hong Kong-based airline operating a fleet of 41 passenger aircraft and serving 47 regional destinations, including 22 cities in Mainland China. Dragonair has been recognised for its product and service quality, and has been named the "Best Regional Airline" at the TTG Travel Awards for four consecutive years since 2010, and voted "World's Best Regional Airline" in the annual Skytrax World Airline Awards™ in 2010, 2011 and 2013. Dragonair is part of the Cathay Pacific Group, providing seamless connectivity for passengers to more than 180 cities around the globe.

Dragonair web site address: www.dragonair.com