NICHOLAS IONIDES / SINGAPORE
Flag carrier's cargo subsidiary could benefit from its parent's plans to acquire freighters for intra-Asian services
Cathay Pacific Airways is refocusing the operations of cargo subsidiary Air Hong Kong on intra-Asian services, in a move thought to be part of plans to add regional freighters.
Cathay leases three Boeing 747-200Fs to Air Hong Kong, but two will be operated in future by Cathay itself, which has four 747-200Fs and five 747-400Fs, and 66 passenger aircraft. Cathay says from July Air Hong Kong will stop serving Brussels, Dubai and Manchester. After taking back two 747-200Fs from Air Hong Kong, Cathay will add Brussels and Manchester to its own cargo network. The carrier already flies to Dubai.
While the changes represent cuts for Air Hong Kong, the moves are believed to relate to Cathay's plan to acquire smaller freighters for intra-Asian services that could result in its subsidiary's expansion.
In March, Flight International reported the airline planned to extend cargo services with regional freighters, potentially as part of its existing partnership with DHL, possibly with Air Hong Kong as the vehicle.
Industry sources said Cathay was in talks to add between five and 10 Airbus A300-sized freighters. The airline until February owned 75% of Air Hong Kong, but now has full control after buying the remaining 25% from Shun Tak Holdings.
Cathay declines to comment on the plans, with general manager cargo Kenny Tang saying: "The air cargo market is very competitive and it is always our objective to increase company efficiency. Increasing capacity in Cathay Pacific's cargo fleet will help position the airline to take advantage of an upturn in business, and improve services for European customers, as well as those in the Middle East and North America."
Source: Flight International
