Cathay Pacific eyes India as a destination

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Cathay Pacific eyes India as a destination

Cathay Pacific remains optimistic about India as a destination. With the easing of the Pandemic-related restrictions, the Hong Kong-based airline sees a lot of upside in its business.

Ronald Lam, Cathay Pacific's Chief Customer Commercial Officer, believes that we are in a much better position today and can confidently speak of ramping up our operations. The airline was established in 1946 and Lam, who will take over as CEO starting January 1st next year, believes it has a strong reputation apart from being a premium brand. We offer a very convenient network to Hong Kong and beyond. He says that includes destinations such as the United States, Australia, and the Chinese Mainland.

Hong Kong is a highly attractive destination and India offers a huge opportunity for him. There are a number of airlines out of India, including Air India and the Middles Eastern carriers, which offer connectivity to the US and Australia. Lam acknowledges that fact, but he also acknowledges that his airline's strong network and multiple frequency will be a difference. India is with us for the most part of our history and that will continue for a long time, he adds.

It is expected that the third runway at Hong Kong Airport will be ready for use in 2025. There is a lot of traffic coming from the neighbouring regions to take off, says Lam. The approach is to closely monitor the situation, as the concern on high fuel prices remains to Lam. We need to be cost-efficient because there is not very much we can do otherwise. With the acquisition of low-cost carrier, HK Express, there is a clear option for a dual brand strategy. It is a destination about six hours from Hong Kong and includes Japan, Singapore, and Taiwan. He says that we need a longer range for India, but we need to look at the possibility.