| For Immediate Release | 16 October 2024 |
Cathay welcomes the Hong Kong SAR Government's initiatives to further strengthen Hong Kong's international aviation hub status, as well as attract visitors, mega events and high-calibre talent to the city, by capitalising on the commissioning of Three-Runway System and more than doubling the scale of the Airport City, as outlined in the Chief Executive's 2024 Policy Address today.
Cathay Group Chief Executive Officer Ronald Lam said: "Hong Kong International Airport is one of the world's busiest airports for international travel and the world's busiest cargo gateway. The Three-Runway System is poised to open up many exciting opportunities, including tens of millions of additional passengers and millions of additional tonnes of cargo each year.
"We welcome the Hong Kong SAR Government's plan to greatly expand the scale of the Airport City. The further expansion of the integrated airport ecosystem will create even more tourism and retail opportunities for Hong Kong, and reinforce its status as a world-leading international aviation hub."
Cathay fully supports the Government's proactive initiatives to leverage these opportunities to strengthen Hong Kong's air connectivity with the Chinese Mainland, and enhance cooperation with the civil aviation authorities of Belt and Road countries. Today's announcement to foster closer ties and develop visitor sources from the Middle East and ASEAN countries will enable even greater tourism and business opportunities between Hong Kong and these important regions.
Lam said: "As Hong Kong's home airline, we are eagerly looking forward to the new era of our international aviation hub that will take Hong Kong to new heights. We are a committed enabler of Hong Kong's future through the connectivity we provide and within 2025 the Cathay Group will be flying passengers to 100 destinations around the world as we continue to expand our network."
Cathay also looks forward to the Government's continued development of the mega-event tourism economy in Hong Kong, and reinforcing its support for the city's vibrant arts and culture scene through the West Kowloon Cultural District. Cathay has a long-term relationship with the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority and remains a proud supporter of major events such as the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens that put Hong Kong on the world stage.
The Government's measures to continuously enhance intermodal connectivity between Hong Kong and the rest of the Greater Bay Area are also welcomed developments. Cathay looks forward to working with the Government as it strengthens synergy between Hong Kong International Airport and Zhuhai Airport to improve the Fly-Via-Zhuhai-Hong Kong direct passenger service as well as jointly develop an international air cargo business.
Lam said: "Cathay is the largest cargo operator in the busiest cargo airport in the world. As our freight volume continues to grow, we are encouraged by the Government's initiatives to continue developing the HKIA Dongguan Logistics Park, enhancing its processing capacity and facilitating more cargo transshipments via Hong Kong to the rest of the world."
Cathay also supports the initiatives of the Government to further support the development and use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), which will further drive SAF adoption across the aviation sector and cater for the growing international demand.
Also welcomed are initiatives that will help attract talent for the development of Hong Kong's "eight centres" by strengthening various talent admission schemes.
Lam concluded: "Cathay is greatly encouraged by the promising initiatives outlined in the 2024 Policy Address, and we remain fully confident in the long-term success that the international aviation hub, and Hong Kong, will achieve as we stride forward into an exciting future."
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