Cathay Pacific hosts summit of Asian airline presidents
Cathay Pacific Airways is hosting in Hong Kong the highest level annual meeting of regional airline presidents as they prepare to debate major challenges facing the industry.
Cathay Pacific Chief Executive Philip Chen is also chairman of the 49th Assembly of Presidents of the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) which meets in Hong Kong today and tomorrow.
The AAPA seeks to speak with a common voice on behalf of the Asia-Pacific carriers when dealing with governments, aircraft manufacturers, airport authorities and other organisations affecting the efficiency and profitability of its members. It has 17 member airlines and each takes turn to host and chair the annual Assembly of Presidents meeting,
The Assembly comes at a time of great challenge for the industry, with rising fuel prices, taxes, concerns about security and mounting public fears about the outbreak of a flu pandemic.
Greeting the Assembly delegates, Cathay Pacific Chairman David Turnbull said: “It is an honour for Cathay Pacific to host the 49th Assembly of Presidents, particularly as this year we celebrate 35 years as a member of the Association. Airlines are confronted with challenges but also see tremendous potential for aviation growth in the region.
Mr Turnbull added: “Hong Kong itself is located at the heart of the world’s fastest growing aviation market. The city stands on the doorstep of the Chinese Mainland. We at Cathay Pacific very much look forward to contributing to the industry’s development there, and strengthening Hong Kong’s position as China’s international gateway.”
The Assembly continues tomorrow with a welcome address by Acting Chief Executive and Chief Secretary for Administration of the HKSAR Government Mr Rafael Hui, and discussion on wide-ranging commercial and technical issues.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Carolyn Leung, Corp Comm Mgr, Public Affairs, (852)2747-5393 or 7901-5393
Maria Yu, Corp Comm Mgr, Media Relations, (852) 2747-5363 or 7901-5368
