Cathay Pacific sees Hong Kong retaining its edge as transit hub

Convenient transfer services and multiple connections to major business locations have helped Hong Kong to retain its edge as the premier transfer airport in the region, despite more direct flights between the Chinese mainland and foreign destinations, an aviation industry official said.

Diao Zhihui, general manager for the Chinese mainland at Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd, the flag carrier of Hong Kong, said business travelers still prefer Hong Kong due to the convenient transfer services and multiple flights to major business destinations like London, New York, Tokyo and Singapore. The flexible schedules of Cathay Pacific have helped boost work efficiencies of business class passengers and given Hong Kong an edge amid stiff competition, he said.

Explaining his claim, Diao said, Cathay Pacific operates six flights between Hong Kong and London daily, providing a number of choices for passengers, while most carriers on the Chinese mainland operate only one flight daily.