Hong Kong finance chief urges Cathay to keep fares attractive, add routes

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.