Hong Kong’s finance chief has called on Cathay Pacific Airways to offer attractive fares and expand its route network, as China’s national development plan reinforces the city’s status as a global aviation hub.
Speaking at Cathay’s 80th anniversary celebration on Tuesday, Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po described the flag carrier as more than just a transport provider, calling it an ambassador for Hong Kong that reinforced the city’s status as a global aviation hub and “superconnector”.
Chan emphasised that each new route drove trade, investment and economic opportunities, noting that bringing people together and unlocking new markets was especially vital in an uncertain global climate.
He said that the three-runway system at Hong Kong International Airport – now nearly two years operational – provided more capacity for growth, adding that the government was pursuing new air services agreements and expanded traffic rights in such markets as the Middle East, Central Asia, Africa and South America.
“As the government opens the way for wider air links, I encourage Cathay to seize these opportunities and add new destinations to your network,” Chan said. “I am sure passengers would be delighted to see one more thing: your excellent service accompanied by equally attractive fares. Guy and Ronald, I shall leave that in your capable hands,” he added, addressing Cathay Group chairman Guy Bradley and CEO Ronald Lam Siu-por.
At the same event, Bradley highlighted that the group now operated scheduled passenger services to more than 100 destinations worldwide – including 24 in mainland China – via Cathay and its low-cost carrier, HK Express.
He said the group planned to expand into more belt and road destinations, including Almaty, Kazakhstan, next January.
He was referring to participating nations in the Belt and Road Initiative, Beijing’s project to build a China-centred global trading network.
“In the next 10 years, we target to have 150 new aircraft join our fleet, and build a network serving 150 destinations worldwide, if market conditions are favourable,” Bradley said.
Chan acknowledged that Cathay’s 80-year history included “difficult chapters”, recalling the Covid-19 pandemic period when the government led a HK$39 billion recapitalisation package for the airline in 2020.
“During the pandemic, the government’s support reflected our determination to safeguard Hong Kong’s status as an international aviation hub and our confidence in Cathay’s role within it,” he said. “That was an investment in our shared future. And it was your people – their professionalism, perseverance and dedication – who helped turn confidence into recovery.
“Your work matters far beyond air connections. For Hong Kong, every new route is another opening for trade, investment and opportunity. This is our ‘superconnector’ role in practice: bringing businesses to markets, and people to one another.
“In an uncertain world, we must pursue these opportunities with prudence as well as confidence,” Chan said. “The case for bringing people together and opening up new markets is stronger, not weaker.”
He said Cathay’s commitment of about HK$150 billion (US$19.12 billion) to investments in aircraft, cabins, lounges and digital innovation was a vote of confidence in Hong Kong’s future.
“The national 15th five-year plan explicitly supports Hong Kong in consolidating and enhancing our status as an international aviation hub,” he said. “We are determined to translate that support into greater capacity, wider reach and lasting economic benefits.” -- South China Morning Post
