The Cathay Pacific Group (including its two passenger airlines, Cathay Pacific and Hong Kong Express) expects to be able to operate 70% of the pre-pandemic passenger capacity by the end of 2023. The goal is to restore the pre-pandemic passenger capacity by the end of 2024. The Transport Association (IATA) has a faster forecast for air traffic in the Asia-Pacific region.
Since the government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region adjusted the epidemic prevention measures for inbound passengers and crew members, the Group had previously announced that it would increase about 3,000 passenger flights from October to the end of December.
Cathay Pacific CEO Deng Jianrong said that the group will be able to achieve the goal of restoring passenger flight capacity to about one-third of the pre-epidemic level by the end of 2022, that is, the passenger capacity will double from the level in August, which is also the company's average capacity in the first half of 2022. about 8 times.
He said: "As the COVID-19 pandemic slows, airlines around the world are rebuilding their capacity. The rebuilding process requires the cooperation of global aviation stakeholders, including airports, suppliers, and even their own airlines in arranging crew and other employees, Adequate preparation in terms of deploying aircraft back into the fleet and recruiting staff, etc. Airlines, industry suppliers and airports around the world face the same challenges that require time and active and thoughtful planning to overcome.
Deng Jianrong also pointed out that Cathay Pacific is prudent and responsible in promoting the return to normal, and also has to deal with the unique challenges of Hong Kong.
Hong Kong has been closed to the outside world for a longer time than other markets, especially the strict isolation and quarantine restrictions that crew members have to bear in Hong Kong were only lifted in September.
Nonetheless, our pace of return to normal since the opening of borders is comparable to that of other airlines that also do not have a local market.
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