• 
• 

Published on March 17, 2008

Country manager Aaron Chan last week said the Hong Kong-based airline would reopen its Bangkok-Colombo route on March 30 with four flights a week using Boeing 777 aircraft.

The service was suspended a year ago, due to political unrest in the Sri Lankan capital.

The airline expects to raise its load factor to more than 75 per cent this year by targeting traders, tourists and pilgrims.

The airline is offering an introductory round-trip ticket from now until June for Bt7,500, excluding fuel surcharge and other fees.

It is also enticing Thais to visit Hong Kong by offering a tour package featuring the popular British musical, "I Will Rock You," playing at the Hong Kong Exhibition and Convention Centre from May 18 to June 21.

The package, priced at Bt17,200, excluding fuel surcharge and other services, includes two nights' accommodation, show pass and air fare.

The airline is also offering another promotion for Hong Kong: buy three-get-one-free for Bt25,800. It  includes two nights' accommodation and tickets to Disneyland.

The airline is offering round trips to major cities in Australia for Bt15,500 and Auckland, New Zealand, for Bt19,500. Both promotions run until June.

"We are offering 30-per-cent less-than-normal prices, and it's cheaper than going to Japan or the Middle East. So we hope it will attract more Thais to go overseas," Chan said.

Subsidiary Dragonair resumed its Phuket-Hong Kong service last year with seven flights a week. It is now running a load factor of 80-90 per cent. The group is looking at Chiang Mai for further expansion for Dragonair but sees less potential.

Cathay Pacific has ordered 52 aircraft for delivery over four years: 42 Boeings and 10 Airbuses.

The fleet expansion will help the group's three airlines - Cathay Pacific, Dragonair and cargo airline Air Hong Kong.

The group plans to increase its frequency from Hong Kong to India this year from eight flights a week  to 35. It will boost flights to China 10 per cent from the current 300 a week. The group increased service to Australia and New Zealand last year. Its turnover rose a record 24 per cent last year when it was one of the few major airlines to enjoy a high net profit.

Suchat Sritama

The Nation