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| Flying high on a rebounding economy ( 01/05/2004 ) | |||||||||
A number of international carriers are expanding or upgrading their services in and out of Hong Kong in response to growing passenger demand, especially from business travellers. Cathay Pacific Airways, Hong Kong's national airline, continues to build its fleet with plans for further expansion. In addition, Hong Kong International Airport has been voted Airport of the Year for the fourth consecutive year, in two recent global surveys (HKIA wins top accolades) Initiatives announced in recent months include Dragonair's inauguration of services to Tokyo's Narita Airport. The airline will operate seven flights a week: twice on Fridays and daily except Saturday. In March, Dragonair posted double-digit growth in both passenger numbers and cargo volume, with business travel a standout. Economic optimism spins off "The resumption of growth in the Hong Kong economy, and the widespread sense of optimism since the start of the year, has been good for the aviation industry here," said Stanley Hui, Dragonair CEO. "More people are travelling for work and pleasure, as reflected in the high number of passengers travelling with us. "Our network has played a significant role in strengthening Hong Kong as an international aviation hub for almost 20 years, and it is a tradition we intend to keep alive by exploring new markets and opportunities for growth." Malaysia Airlines is doubling its nonstop services between Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur from seven to 14 times weekly, and expanding its service to Kota Kinabalu. Regional manager for China and Hong Kong Yap Kiang Thiam said the airline was strengthening its position in Hong Kong, which it has always considered be an important regional hub. He commended the Hong Kong airport authority on recent initiative to retain its competitive edge, such as fast-tracking inbound passengers to the Pearl River Delta. Aeroflot Russian Airlines is launching a new programme of quality standards aboard six direct flights from Hong Kong per week, with good connections to Europe and the Middle East. The carrier is offering enhanced service and an improved menu to business and first-class passengers. Cathay posts strong first quarter Growing demand for business-class seating is also being recognised by Cathay Pacific, which moved more than a million passengers across its global network in March, a growth of 4.2 per cent. General manager of sales Ian Shiu said the March figures capped a strong first quarter during which Cathay saw steady growth in business traffic, in particular on long-haul routes. Cathay Pacific has placed orders for eight more wide body regional aircraft as part of its plan to grow the airline and further enhance Hong Kong as a leading international aviation hub. It aims to hire more operating crew and ground staff over the next three years, and has recently expanded services, including the addition of a new daily non-stop service to New York, starting on July 1. In other aviation news, Korean Air is in negotiations to secure additional passenger and freighter capacity between Hong Kong and South Korea. ``We are eager to increase the number of flights to Hong Kong,'' Simon Yang, the airline's regional vice president for Hong Kong and Southeast Asia, told The Standard. The airline has reached the maximum number of flights permitted under the existing air services pact. Related links | |||||||||
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