Cathay welcomed the Hong Kong SAR Government’s initiatives to further strengthen Hong Kong’s international aviation hub status.
These initiatives involve leveraging new opportunities from the Three-Runway System, driving the supply of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), expanding air connectivity with more destinations, and improving the Greater Bay Area’s intermodal network, as outlined in the Chief Executive’s 2025 Policy Address.
In a statement released on Wednesday, 17th September, Cathay Group CEO Ronald Lam said: “Hong Kong International Airport continues to stand as one of the world’s busiest airports for international travel and the world's busiest cargo hub.”
Lam added that the launch of the Three-Runway System has unlocked new opportunities, enabling Cathay to reinforce its role as a super connector between the Greater Bay Area and the world.
A driver of sustainable aviation
Likewise, Cathay is being encouraged by the Government’s plans to drive SAF supply and to construct a fuel blending facility in Hong Kong and the wider Greater Bay Area.
Lam said: “SAF is widely considered by the industry to be the most important lever for decarbonising aviation. We believe these initiatives will not only bolster the competitiveness of the Hong Kong international aviation hub, but also the availability and affordability of SAF. We are eager to continue working in tandem with the Government and industry partners to advance the adoption and use of SAF in Hong Kong and beyond, and to support the industry’s transition to lower carbon operations.”
Cathay also welcomed the Government’s efforts to accelerate the expansion of Hong Kong’s aviation network by increasing destinations, and pursuing new air services agreements with emerging markets around the world.
These will present significant opportunities for travel, business, trade and talent, all of which are closely aligned with Cathay’s goals to grow its network, elevate the customer experience and support Hong Kong’s continued development.
Doing its part to boost connectivity
Cathay also supports the Government’s measures to enhance intermodal connectivity of the Greater Bay Area, including expanding exemptions from the Air Passenger Departure Tax to transit passengers travelling to Hong Kong by sea or land, and extending the “Fly-Via-Zhuhai-Hong Kong” service to more Chinese Mainland cities.
These steps will offer greater choice and more seamless connections to passengers travelling to and from Hong Kong across the wider region.
As Lam puts it: “As the largest cargo operator in the busiest cargo airport in the world, Cathay looks forward to the Government's initiatives to continue developing the HKIA Dongguan Logistics Park. Leveraging the enhanced processing capacity, we are committed to facilitating more cargo transshipments via Hong Kong to the rest of the world.”
Where cultures meet
Cathay is also supportive of the Government’s initiatives to further develop Hong Kong as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange and promote a mega-event tourism economy.
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.
In closing, Lam said: “For nearly eight decades, Cathay has proudly contributed to the growth and success of the Hong Kong international aviation hub. We remain steadfastly confident in the future of our home hub and will continue to contribute to the shared vision of a stronger, more connected and future-ready aviation hub for Hong Kong.”
