Photo:2
Photo:3
Photo:4
Photo:5
Photo:6
Photo:2 Photo:3 Photo:4 Photo:5 Photo:6 |
| 1940s and 1950s: The early years | 3>
Niki, one of the carrier's first aircraft, outside Cathay City
Cathay Pacific was founded in Hong Kong on September 24 1946 by American Roy Farrell and Australian Sydney de Kantzow.[4] Both men were ex-air force pilots who had flown the Hump, a route over the Himalayan mountains.[5] Each man put up HK$1 to register the airline.[6] Although initially based in Shanghai, the two men moved to Hong Kong where they formally began Cathay Pacific.[4] They named it Cathay, the ancient name given to China, derived from "Khitan", and Pacific because Farrell speculated that they would one day fly across the Pacific (which happened in the 1970s). The Chinese name for the company "國泰" comes from a Chinese idiom meaning "Grand and Peaceful State".[7]
According to legend, the airline was conceived by Farrell and some foreign correspondents at the bar of the Manila Hotel.[4] On Cathay Pacific's maiden voyage, Farrell and de Kantzow flew from Hong Kong to Manila, and later on to Shanghai.[8] They had a single Douglas DC-3, nicknamed Betsy. The airline initially flew routes between Hong Kong, Sydney, Manila, Singapore, Shanghai, and Canton, while scheduled service was limited to Bangkok, Manila, and Singapore only.[4]
In 1948 Butterfield & Swire (now known as Swire Group) bought 45% of Cathay Pacific, with Australian National Airways taking 35% and Farrell and de Kantzow taking 10% each.[6] The new company began operations on 1 July 1948 and was registered as Cathay Pacific (1948) Ltd on 18 October 1948.[9] Swire later acquired 52% of Cathay Pacific and today the airline is still 40% owned by the Swire Group through Swire Pacific Limited.[10]
[edit] | Tags:Iata,Icao,Callsign,Hubs,Hong Kong International Airport,Focus Cities,Suvarnabhumi Airport,Singapore Changi Airport,Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport,Frequent-flyer Program,Airport Lounge,Alliance,Oneworld,Subsidiaries,Air Hong Kong,Dragonair,Parent Company,Swire Pacific,Chek Lap Kok,Christopher Pratt,Mandarin,Cantonese (yue),Jyutping,Flag Carrier,Head Office,One Pacific Place,Passenger,Codeshares,Wide-body Aircraft,Airbus A330,Airbus A340,Boeing 747,Boeing 777,Bangkok,Taipei,Roy C. Farrell,Sydney H. De Kantzow,Hk$,Non-stop,Transpolar,North Pole,Air China,International Air Transport Association,Skytrax,Roy Farrell,Sydney De Kantzow,The Hump,Himalayan,Cathay,China,Pacific,Manila Hotel,Manila,Douglas Dc-3,Singapore,Canton,Swire Group,Australian National Airways,Lockheed L-1011 Tristar,Osaka International Airport,Hong Kong Airways,Fukuoka,Nagoya,Osaka,Convair 880,Vancouver,Hong Kong Stock Exchange,Citic Pacific,Cnac,Sino-british Joint Liaison Group,Republic Of China,Boeing 777-300,Everett,Asian Financial Crisis,Hong Kong Kai Tak Airport,London Heathrow Airport,New York John F. Kennedy International Airport,Technical Stop,Airbus A340-600,Airbus,Toulouse,International Lease Finance Corporation,Boeing 777-300er,Options, 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s: Expansion | 3>
This section requires expansion with:
more in-depth information about these decades, especially about the 1950s and 1960s..
Lockheed L-1011 TriStar at Osaka International Airport in the old livery
The airline prospered in late 1950s and into the 1960s by buying its archrival, Hong Kong Airways, on 1 July 1959.[11] Between 1962 and 1967, the airline recorded double digit growth on average every year and the world's first to operate international services to Fukuoka, Nagoya and Osaka in Japan.[4] Eighteen years after the airline was founded, it carried its one millionth passenger and acquired its first jet engine aircraft Convair 880 in 1964.[5][12] In the 1970s, Cathay Pacific installed a computerised reservation system and flight simulators. In 1979, the airline acquired its first Boeing 747 and applied for traffic rights to begin flying to London in 1980. Expansion continued into the 1980s, with nonstop service to Vancouver in 1983, with continuing service on to San Francisco in 1986 when an industry-wide boom encouraged route growth to many European and North American centres.[12] On 15 May 1986, the airline went public and listed in the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.[13]
[edit] | Tags: 1990s: Rebranding, renewal, and Oneworld | 3>
In January 1990, Cathay Pacific and its parent company, Swire Pacific, acquired a significant shareholding in Dragonair, and a 75% stake in cargo airline Air Hong Kong in 1994.[14][15] During the early 1990s, the airline launched a programme to upgrade its passenger service. Also, the green and white striped livery was replaced with the current "brushwing" livery.[16] In 1994, the airline announced that it would establish its new corporate identity. It planned to implement a 23 million Hong Kong dollar (RM 7.3 million) program to update its image. The fleet was expected to have the new logo in place within four years.[17]
Cathay Pacific's Boeing 747–400 in old livery.
Later, the airline began a US$9 billion fleet replacement program during the mid-1990s that resulted with it having one of the youngest airline fleets in the world.[16] In 1996, CITIC Pacific increased its holdings in Cathay Pacific from 10% to 25%, while the Swire Group holding was reduced to 44% as two other Chinese companies, CNAC and CTS also bought substantial holdings.[5]
On 1 July 1997, administration of Hong Kong was transferred from the UK to the People's Republic of China. Most of the airline's aircraft were registered in Hong Kong and bore a registration beginning with "VR". Under the terms of an agreement within the Sino-British Joint Liaison Group (JLG), all registrations were changed to the prefix "B" by December 1997, which is used by the People's Republic of China and the Republic of China (Taiwan).[18] Cathay Pacific aircraft formerly carried a painted Union Jack on the tail but these were removed several years prior to the 1997 takeover.[19][20]
On 21 May 1998, Cathay Pacific became the launch carrier when it took the first delivery of the Boeing 777-300, the newest member of the Boeing 777 family, at a ceremony in Everett.[21] In February 1999, Cathay Pacific co-founded the Oneworld Alliance.[22] The airline was hurt by the Asian financial crisis of the late 1990s, but recorded a record HK$5 billion profit in 2000.[23]
[edit] | Tags: New Hong Kong airport and transpolar flights | 4>
On 5 July 1998, Hong Kong Kai Tak Airport witnessed its last commercial departing flight, Cathay Pacific Flight 251 to London Heathrow Airport, after over 73 years of operation. The next day, Cathay Pacific Flight 889, from New York John F. Kennedy International Airport, piloted by Captain Mike Lowes and First Officer Kelvin Ma, was the maiden flight to arrive at the new Hong Kong International Airport, located at Chek Lap Kok, west of Hong Kong.[24] This flight was also the world's first non-stop transpolar flight from New York to Hong Kong. The flight, dubbed Polar One, takes approximately 16 hours to travel between Hong Kong and New York, saving about three to four hours on journey time, compared to the one stop service via Vancouver. It is Cathay Pacific's longest non-stop flight, as well as one of the longest non-stop flights by distance in the world at 8,055 mi (12,963 km).[25]
[edit] | Tags: 2000s: Industrial troubles and acquisitions | 3>
Cathay Pacific operated three A340-600s from 2002 to 2008.
The 2000s saw Cathay Pacific experience labour relations issues, and complete the acquisition of Dragonair. The airline operated the first commercial non-stop transpolar flight from Canada on 19 May 2000, with Cathay Pacific Flight 829 from Toronto to Hong Kong. The flight flew directly over Hudson Bay and passed within 50 nautical miles (93 km; 58 mi) of the North Pole, it took just 14 hours and 59 minutes and saved almost three hours from the normal route, which included a technical stop in Anchorage. It is Cathay Pacific's second longest non-stop flight with a distance of 7,809 mi (12,567 km).[26]
On 28 November 2002, the airline took delivery of its first Airbus A340-600 aircraft at a ceremony at the Airbus factory in Toulouse. Cathay Pacific was the launch customer in Asia for the A340-600 and the aircraft was the first of three leased from International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC).[27] On 1 December 2005, Cathay Pacific announced an order for 16 Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, four on lease from ILFC, to be delivered between September 2007 and July 2010, plus options on 20 more of the type, two of which were converted to orders on 1 June 2006. The airline also ordered 3 more A330-300 the same day, with the delivery of the aircraft scheduled for 2008.[28][29][30] On 7 August 2007, Cathay Pacific announced that it had placed an additional order for five more wide-body Boeing 777-300ER aircraft for a total price of about US$1.4 billion, increasing its commitment to a total of 23 of the aircraft type.[31]
[edit] | Tags: The 49ers – employment dispute | 4>
In 2001, the Hong Kong Aircrew Officers Association (HKAOA) launched a "work to rule" campaign to further its campaign for pay improvements and changes to roster scheduling practices. The action involved pilots refusing to work flights that were not scheduled on their roster. Although this alone did not cause extensive disruption, rostered pilots began calling in sick for their flights. Combined with the work to rule campaign, the airline was unable to cover all of its scheduled flights and cancellations resulted. Cathay Pacific steadfastly refused to negotiate with the HKAOA under threat of industrial action.[32]
Airbus A330-300 at Taipei Taoyuan International Airport
On 9 July 2001, reportedly following a comprehensive review of the employment histories of all its pilots, the company fired 49 of its 1,500 pilots. This group became known colloquially as "the 49ers". Nearly half of the fired pilots were captains, representing five percent of the total pilot group. Of the 21 officers of the HKAOA, nine were fired, including four of the seven union negotiators.[33]
Then-HKAOA president Captain Nigel Demery took the view that "the firing was pure intimidation, a union-bust straight up, designed to be random enough to put the fear in all pilots that they might be next, no reason given".[33] The dismissals were challenged in a number of legal proceedings, but none were reinstated. The airline later offered the 49 pilots it terminated in 2001 the chance to reapply for pilot positions with its cargo division, guaranteeing such applicants first interviews, subject to passing psychometric testing. Nineteen former employees applied and twelve were offered jobs.[34]
Current relations between the company and the HKAOA are cordial. The replacement of Captain Demery by Captain Murray Gardner is said to have had a lot to do with this change in relationship. Captain Gardner favoured a more diplomatic and conciliatory approach to dealing with management, and workplace relations between the two groups have been largely conciliatory since 2002.[35]
On 11 November 2009, 18 of The 49ers succeeded in the Hong Kong Court of First Instance concerning their joint claims for breach of contract, breach of the Employment Ordinance and defamation.
Judge Anselmo Reyes ruled the airline had contravened the Employment Ordinance by dismissing the pilots without a valid reason, adding that they had been sacked primarily because of union activities. He also held that remarks by then chief operating officer Philip Chen Nanlok and current chief executive Tony Tyler after the sackings were defamatory. The judge handed the pilots a victory in their long-running legal battle, with individual awards of HK$3.3 million for defamation together with a month's pay and HK$150,000 for the sackings.
Boeing 747-400 takes off.
On 24 December 2010, judges Frank Stock, Susan Kwan and Johnson Lam of the Court of Appeal overturned the judgment of the lower court to the extent that the claim for wrongful termination of contract was dismissed. The finding that Cathay Pacific wrongly sacked the 18 pilots for their union activities was upheld. The court upheld the defamation claim but reduced the damages for the defamatory comments made by Cathay Pacific management. The judges also modified the judgment awarding payment of legal costs to the pilots and instead said that they should now pay some of Cathay’s costs.[36]
The leader of the 49er Plaintiffs, Captain John Warham, launched a book titled "The 49ers – The True Story" on 25 March 2011.[37]
The pilots were awarded leave on 26 October 2011 to take their case to the Court of Final Appeal. The matter was heard before Hon. Mr. Justices Bokhary, Chan & Ribeiro who are all Permanent Judges of the Court of Final Appeal. The matters to be decided upon by the Court will concern wrongful termination of contract and the level of damages for defamation. The case will be heard by the Court of Final Appeal on 27 August 2012.
[edit] | Tags: Acquisition and downsizing of Dragonair | 4>
On 9 June 2006, the airline underwent a shareholding realignment under which Dragonair became a wholly owned subsidiary but continued to operate under its own brand. By acquiring Dragonair, this meant gaining more access to the restricted, yet rapidly growing, Mainland China market and more opportunities for sharing of resources. CNAC, and its subsidiary, Air China, acquired a 17.5 percent stake in Cathay Pacific, and the airline doubled its shareholding in Air China to 17.5 percent. CITIC Pacific reduced its shareholding to 17.5 percent and Swire Group reduced its shareholding to 40 percent.[10][38][39]
A Dragonair Airbus A320-200
Dragonair had originally planned significant international expansion. It was already operating services to Bangkok and Tokyo, and was to have a dedicated cargo fleet of nine Boeing 747-400BCF aircraft by 2009 operating to New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco and Columbus.[40] It had also acquired three Airbus A330-300 aircraft to commence services to Sydney and Seoul.[41]
Following the acquisition by Cathay Pacific, Dragonair's proposed expansion plans underwent a comprehensive route compatibility analysis with the Cathay network, in an effort to reduce duplication. Dragonair services to Bangkok and Tokyo were terminated, and new services launched to Sendai, Phuket, Manila and Kathmandu. With the merging of similar departments at the two previously separate airlines, some Dragonair staff have had their employment contracts transferred to Cathay Pacific, and others made redundant due to the efficiencies gained in the merger. This has resulted in an approximately 37 percent decrease in the number of staff contractually employed by Dragonair.[42]
Although there has been speculation that Dragonair will cease as a brand and be fully absorbed into Cathay Pacific, this is unlikely as Dragonair enjoys significant market awareness in regional Chinese markets.[39]
[edit] | Tags: Economic challenges | 4>
Boeing 777-200 at Nagoya, Japan
To celebrate the airline's 60th anniversary in 2006, a year of road shows named the "Cathay Pacific 60th Anniversary Skyshow" was held where the public could see the developments of the airline, play games, meet some of the airline's staff, and view vintage uniforms. Cathay Pacific also introduced anniversary merchandise and in-flight meals served by famous restaurants in Hong Kong in collaboration with the celebrations.[43]
In June 2008, Cathay Pacific entered into a plea bargain with the United States Department of Justice in respect of antitrust investigations over air cargo price fixing agreements. It was fined US$60 million. The airline has subsequently set up an internal Competition Compliance Office, reporting to Chief Operating Officer John Slosar, to ensure that the Group complies with all relevant competition and antitrust laws in the jurisdiction in which it operates. The breaches for which Cathay Pacific Cargo were being investigated in the U.S. were not illegal under Hong Kong competition law.[44][45]
Cathay Pacific Boeing 747–400 at Singapore Changi Airport
In March 2009, the airline reported a record full-year loss of HK$8.56 billion for 2008, which was also the carrier's first since the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis. The record loss included fuel-hedging losses of HK$7.6 billion and a HK$468 million charge for a price-fixing fine in the U.S. It had to scrap its final dividend. The hedging losses were a result of locking in fuel prices at higher than prevailing market price. As of the end of 2008, Cathay Pacific has hedged about half of its fuel needs until the end of 2011. The airline at the time estimated that it would face no further cash costs from the hedges if the average market price stood at US$75, enabling it recoup provisions it made in 2008.[46]
The flattening out of fuel prices resulted in Cathay Pacific recording a paper fuel hedging gain for its half year reports for 2009. However, as a result of the global economic situation, the Group reported an operating loss. Given the current economic climate, and in line with the steps being taken by other major airlines around the world, the airline has undertaken a comprehensive review of all its routes and operations. This has resulted in frequencies being reduced to certain destinations, ad hoc cancellations on other routes, deferred capital expenditure, parked aircraft and introduced a Special Leave Scheme for staff to conserve money.[47] According to CEO Tony Tyler, the yield from passengers was "hugely down" and the airline had lost "a lot of premium traffic". He noted that it could take 20 passengers in economy to make up for the lost revenue of one fewer first class passenger flying to New York from Hong Kong.[48]
[edit] | Tags: 2010s: Current developments | 3>
In 2010, the airline set another record high profit, amounting to HK$14.048 billion despite record losses set in the same decade. At the same time, Cathay Pacific had taken delivery of several new aircraft types, including the Airbus A330-300 and Boeing 777-300ER.[49] Tony Tyler left his position as CEO at the airline on 31 March 2010 to pursue his new job at the IATA. Chief Operating Officer John Slosar had succeeded Tony Tyler as the new CEO.[50] In addition, New Zealand's Commerce Commission had dropped charges against Cathay Pacific concerning the air cargo price fixing agreements.[51]
[edit] | Tags: Corporate affairs and identity | 2>
Cathay City, the head office at Hong Kong International Airport
Cathay Pacific's head office, Cathay Pacific City (Traditional: 國泰城, Simplified: 国泰城, Cantonese: gwok3 taai3 sing4, Mandarin: Guótài Chéng), is located at Hong Kong International Airport, although the airline's registered office is on the 33rd floor of One Pacific Place.[52][53] Cathay Pacific City was scheduled to be built in increments between April and September 1998.[54] The headquarters opened in 1998.[55] Previously the airline's headquarters were at the Swire House, which was a complex in Central named after the airline's parent company.[56]
[edit] | Tags: Branding | 3>
Branding and publicity efforts have revolved primarily around the staff and passengers of Cathay Pacific. The airline's first campaign focusing on the passenger was "It's the little things that move you". The airline's latest advertising campaign is "Great Service. Great People. Great Fares."[57] Another application, Meet the Team, introduces some of the staff through profiles, revealing many behind-the-scenes stories many of which contain inspiring facts about their career life.[58]
[edit] | Tags: Livery | 3>
Boeing 747-400 at London Heathrow Airport
All Cathay Pacific aircraft carry the following livery, logos and trademarks: the "brushwing" livery on the body and on the vertical stabiliser, introduced in the early 1990s; the "Asia's world city" brandline, the Brand Hong Kong logotype and the dragon symbol; the Oneworld logo and the Swire Group logo.[59][60][61]
The brushwing logo consists of a calligraphic stroke against a green background; the stroke is intended to appear like the wing of a bird. The previous logo, consisting of green and white stripes, was in place from the early 1970s until 1994.[17]
Prior to 1997, all Cathay Pacific aircraft carried they British flag on the empennage. After the handover, aircraft carry the Brand Hong Kong logo and with HONG KONG or in Chinese 香港 under or beside the Brand Hong Kong logo instead of using the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) flag. In fact, the HKSAR flag has never appeared on any aircraft.
[edit] | Tags: Destinations | 2>
Further information: Cathay Pacific destinations
Cathay Pacific destinations.
China (served by Dragonair)
Cathay Pacific destinations
Cathay Pacific serves 115 destinations in 36 countries and territories on five continents, with a well-developed Asian network. The airline serves a number of gateway cities in North America and Europe, with easy connections with its Oneworld and codeshare partners, American Airlines and British Airways via Los Angeles and London, respectively. In addition, the airline serves 10 French cities via a codeshare partnership with French national rail operator, SNCF, from Paris. The airline also has access to over 17 destinations in China through its subsidiary, Dragonair.[62]
Cathay Pacific suspended its flight operations to and from Colombo on 26 March 2007 due to security concerns, following the closure of the Bandaranaike International Airport. The services between Hong Kong and Colombo via Bangkok and Singapore have subsequently resumed on 30 March 2008.[63][64] In 2008, the airline increased services to Auckland, Brisbane, Chennai, Delhi, Dubai, Mumbai, Perth, Singapore and Sydney, while reduced services to Toronto and Vancouver.[65] In 2009, the airline increased services to Jakarta and Shanghai, while services to Paris were increased from 29 March 2009 to 31 August 2009 and from 18 December 2009 to 6 January 2010. In addition, Jeddah will be Cathay Pacific's second destination in Saudi Arabia from 25 October, while services to Brisbane and San Francisco are temporarily reduced from September to 17 November and October, respectively. In late 2009, services increased back to Toronto and Vancouver at a frequency of twice daily.[66][67] Cathay Pacific announced it will launch daily passenger service to Chicago operated by Boeing 777-300ER on 1 September 2011 and increase service to New York with a fourth daily flight beginning 27 March 2011.[68] The airline also launched its four weekly service to Abu Dhabi by Airbus 330-300 on 2 June 2011; the airline's second destination in the United Arab Emirates complementing existing service to Dubai[69]
[edit] | Tags: Codeshare agreements | 3>
Cathay Pacific has codeshare agreements with the following airlines.[70][71][72]
Air China
Air Pacific
Alaska Airlines
American Airlines °
British Airways °
Comair °
Dragonair °
Finnair °
Japan Airlines °
LAN °
Malaysia Airlines (Oneworld - future)
Philippine Airlines
Qantas °
Vietnam Airlines
WestJet[73]
° indicates as Oneworld alliance partner
The airline also has a codeshare agreement with French high speed trains (SNCF) from TGV station at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport to ten French cities.[62][74]
[edit] | Tags: Fleet | 2>
Main article: Cathay Pacific fleet
Cathay Pacific total fleet summary
Aircraft type
In service (by type)
Model
In service (by model)
Orders
Airbus A330
33
−300
33
18
Airbus A340
11
−300
11
—
Airbus A350
—
−900
—
38
Boeing 747
48
−400
21
—
−400BCF
9
—
−400F
6
—
−400ERF
6
—
−8F
6
4
Boeing 777
45
−200
5
—
−300
12
—
−300ER
28
22
–F
—
8
Total
137
137
90
[edit] | Tags: Passenger | 3>
Cathay Pacific operates three-class configurations on all of its Boeing 747 and most Boeing 777-300ER fleet, and two-class configurations on all other aircraft. Cathay Pacific is one of the few airlines to solely operate wide-bodied jets. The Boeing customer code for Cathay Pacific is 67 (I.e. 747-467).
Cathay Pacific passenger fleet
Aircraft
Total in service
Orders
Passengers
Variation
Notes
By Aircraft
By Variation
F
J
W
Y
Total
Airbus A330-300
33
16
18
—
44
—
267
311
330
Fitted with Regional Product; 2 will be transferred to Dragonair
13
—
40
—
223
263
33B
Will be converted to 33G
3
—
38
—
223
261
33E
Fitted with new long-haul Business Class; will be converted to 33G
1
—
38
28
175
241
33G
Fitted with new long-haul Business and Economy Class
Airbus A340-300
11
11
—
—
26
—
257
283
34B
Replacement aircraft: Airbus A350-900
Airbus A350-900
—
—
38
TBA
Replacing: Airbus A340-300 and Boeing 747-400
Boeing 747-400
21
20
—
9
46
—
324
379
74A
Replacement aircraft: Boeing 777-300ER and Airbus A350-900;
7 of which will be converted to 74K
1
9
46
26
278
359
74K
Replacement aircraft: Boeing 777-300ER and Airbus A350-900
Boeing 777-200
5
5
—
—
45
—
291
336
777
Fitted with Regional Product
Boeing 777-300
12
12
—
—
45
—
353
398
773
Fitted with Regional Product
Boeing 777-300ER
28
4
22
6
57
—
238
301
77A
Will be converted to 77H
6
6
53
—
238
297
77D
(New from manufacturer)
Fitted with new long-haul Business Class
11
6
53
—
229
288
77D
(Converted from 77A)
Fitted with new long-haul Business Class; will be converted to 77H
4
—
40
32
268
340
77G
Fitted with new long-haul cabin in all classes
3
6
53
34
182
275
77H
Fitted with new long-haul cabin in all classes
Total
110
78
Cathay Pacific's average fleet age is 10.6 years at March 2012.
Passenger fleet plans
Cleaning a Boeing 747-400 at London Heathrow Airport
On 8 November 2007, Cathay Pacific announced that it had placed an order for seven additional Boeing 777-300ERs and 10 747-8F freighters with a list price of US$5.2 billion.[75] In addition, it also took 14 options for the new freighter at that time. This order, if all options are exercised, would make Cathay Pacific the largest operator of 777-300ERs in Asia and largest operator of 747-8Fs in the world.[76] On 6 December 2007, the airline, already the biggest operator of the Airbus A330, placed a firm order for eight more Airbus A330-300 aircraft valued at approximately US$1.7 billion at list prices. Together with the commitment for 17 long-haul passenger aircraft and freighters announced the previous month, the new aircraft will take the Cathay Pacific Group's fleet size to 200 by 2012. From that 200 aircraft, the airline will operate 155 itself, and the rest will be used by its subsidiaries.[77]
The airline's CEO, Tony Tyler, stated on 30 October 2007 that the carrier had no plans regarding the purchase of either the Boeing 787 Dreamliner or the Airbus A380 for the time being.[78] On 8 June 2010, the carrier entered talks with both Boeing and Airbus about adding the 787 Dreamliner and/or the Airbus A350 to their fleet, with Tyler reported to have said that the airline was more interested in acquiring smaller, long-range jets that are better suited for carrying cargo, than it is in acquiring either the Boeing 747-8I or the Airbus A380. The twinjet aircraft would allow Cathay Pacific to both add new destinations to its network, and to replace those 747-400s and A340-300s that currently operate on its long-haul routes alongside 777-300ERs.[79]
On 11 March 2009, it was reported that the delivery of two aircraft due in 2008 was delayed after a strike at Boeing. Additionally, the delivery of two 747-8 freighters was pushed back to 2010 amid delays at the planemaker.[46] The delivery positions on new A330-300 and 777-300ER aircraft were deferred due to the economic recession. Cathay Pacific also sent four A340-300 and two 747-400 aircraft to Victorville Airport for storage.[80]
Cathay Pacific Boeing 777-300ER in Oneworld livery
On 4 August 2010, it was confirmed that Cathay Pacific would buy 30 A350-900s and 6 more 777-300ERs.[81] The carrier remained open on a potential purchase of the A380 for long-haul and ultra long-haul routes to Australia, the US and Europe, with outgoing CEO Tyler saying "I wouldn't rule out the airline becoming a customer (for the A380) at some point."[82]
On 8 March 2011, it was reported that the airline had ordered another 15 A330-300s and 10 777-300ERs. The deal also included 2 more A350-900s which will be leased from ILFC.[83] On 10 August 2011, Cathay Pacific entered into an agreement with Boeing to purchase four 777-300ER passenger aircraft and eight Boeing 777F Freighters.[84] On 20 January 2012, it was confirmed that Cathay Pacific would buy another 6 A350-900s.[85]
On 20 August 2011, it was identified that Cathay Pacific would be launching a Premium Economy Class on its new 777-300ERs from March 2012. The aircraft will feature 40 Business Class, 32 Premium Economy Class and 268 Economy Class with the absence of a First Class cabin.[86] On 22 August 2011, it is expanded the Premium Economy Class offering to its new A330-300s from March 2012. The aircraft will feature 38 Business Class, 28 Premium Economy Class and 175 Economy Class.[87] Premium Economy Class will also be offered on 4-class 777-300ERs and 747-400s from summer 2012.[88][89][90]
[edit] | Tags: Cargo | 3>
Cathay Pacific Cargo operates a fleet of over 20 freighters to more than 40 destinations around the world, in addition to utilising the cargo space on its passenger aircraft. The cargo subsidiary was established in 1981 with a twice-a-week Hong Kong–Frankfurt–London service operated jointly with Lufthansa.[91] The cargo division ranked fifth in the freight category of the 2008 The World's Top 25 Airlines by Air Transport World.[92] Cathay Pacific Cargo handles ost of the airlines' passenger cargo. Together with its cargo routes, it serves more than 80 destinations and is able to operate to destinations that are not in the Cathay Pacific passenger network.
Cathay Pacific Cargo fleet (as of November 2011[update])
Aircraft
Total
Orders
Boeing 747-400BCF
9
—
Boeing 747-400ERF
6
—
Boeing 747-400F
6
—
Boeing 747-8F
6
4
Boeing 777F
—
8
Total
27
12
Cargo fleet notes
Boeing 747-200F at Melbourne Airport (2007).
On 5 October 2005, the airline took delivery of its first Boeing 747–400 Boeing Converted Freighter (Boeing 747-400BCF) aircraft that was converted from a passenger plane to a freighter in Xiamen, China. Cathay Pacific Cargo is the launch customer for this aircraft type and it was also the first time Boeing had conducted a major flight test programme outside the United States.[93] On 22 June 2006, the airline announced an order of six Boeing 747-400ERF freighters, delivered in 2008 and 2009.[94] On 31 October 2011, Cathay Pacific took delivery of its first Boeing 747-8F.[95]
On 18 March 2008, Airport Authority Hong Kong (HKAA) awarded Cathay Pacific Services Ltd (CPSL), a wholly owned subsidiary, a non-exclusive 20-year franchise to invest in, design, construct and operate a new air cargo terminal at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA). The new cargo terminal will be built in the cargo area at the airport, close to the existing cargo servicing facilities, with a site area of approximately 10 hectares. The new cargo terminal will be operated by a separate management team in CPSL.[96] On 15 January 2009, CPSL signed a supplementary agreement with the HKAA to defer the completion of its new cargo terminal by a maximum of 24 months to mid-2013, in response to the current market conditions. A non disclosed compensation amount for the deferral is included in the supplementary agreement.[97] Cathay Pacific new cargo centre in Hong Kong International Airport is expected to be opened by mid 2013. The new cargo terminal is designed to maximise the usage of the site area and provide high land use efficiency of over 25 tonnes per m2. It will be equipped with a state-of-the-art Materials Handling System (MHS) that can handle the huge throughput in the limited space with high efficiency.
The facility design will enable the most efficient flow of cargo through the terminal and facilitate speedy processing of all types of cargo while allowing for regulatory inspection and monitoring if required.
The cargo terminal will deliver shorter cargo delivery times, reduced cut-off times for export cargo, a shorter trans-shipment connection window and shorter truck queue times, all of which are essential to sustain the competitiveness of Hong Kong as a leading cargo hub.
The Cathay Pacific Cargo Centre:
Designed annual capacity: 2.6 million tonnes
Site area: approximately10 hectares
Construction floor area: 246,000 sq m
Land-use efficiency: over 25 tonnes per m2.
In December 2011, the company took delivery of its first state-of-the-art Boeing 747-8F freighters (B-LJF) in the plane makers factory in Paine Field, Seattle. The Boeing 747-8 Freighter has a higher payload of 154 tonnes and a longer range of 8,130 kilometres (5,050 mi) than the B747-400F that Cathay Pacific Cargo owns.
[edit] | Tags: Special liveries | 4>
In 1997, a Boeing 747–200 (B-HIB) named Spirit of Hong Kong, with a special livery, a big traditional Chinese brushstroke character "家" (means family/home), a traditional Chinese wording "繁榮進步 更創新高" painted on the left side of the aircraft and a wording "The Spirit of Hong Kong 97" painted on the right side of the aircraft, to commemorate the handover of Hong Kong back to China.[98] On 17 January 2000, Spirit of Hong Kong made a return on a Boeing 747-400 (B-HOX) to celebrate the legendary resilience of Hong Kong with a new special livery depicts a young athlete overcoming a series of challenges to reach his goal. A special wording "Same Team. Same Dream." was painted on the left side of the aircraft and a traditional Chinese wording "積極進取 飛越更高理想" was painted on the right side of the aircraft.[99][100][101]
Airbus A330-300 fuselage livery. This aircraft was named Progress Hong Kong.
On 5 July 2002, a Boeing 747–400 (B-HOY), named Asia's world city, carried a special livery, the "Asia's world city" brandline, the Brand Hong Kong logotype and the dragon symbol, to promote Hong Kong around the world.[102] In January 2008, a new Boeing 777-300ER (B-KPF) was painted in the Asia's world city livery.[103]
On 29 August 2006, the airline took delivery of its 100th aircraft, an Airbus A330-300 with the registration B-LAD. For the aircraft acceptance ceremony in Toulouse, the aircraft was painted in a 100th aircraft livery with a 60th anniversary sticker behind the second doors (2L and 2R), the wording "100th aircraft", and the traditional Chinese wording "進步精神" painted on the rear of the aircraft.[104] The aircraft was named Progress Hong Kong, a name that was chosen from a competition by the staff.[104][105]
In November 2011, Cathay received its second 747-8 Freighter (B-LJA) which was painted in the Hong Kong Trader livery. The livery was designed to commemorate the topping out of the new Cathay Pacific Cargo Terminal. The name of the livery is taken from Cathay Pacific’s very first 747 freighter which entered the fleet in 1982.
Currently, a total of three Cathay Pacific aircraft are painted in the Oneworld livery to commemorate the alliance's 10th anniversary. On 12 March 2009, Cathay Pacific's first Oneworld aircraft, an Airbus A340-300 (B-HXG), was painted in the new, standard Oneworld livery. An additional aircraft, an Airbus A330-300 (B-HLU), has also been painted in the Oneworld livery while a brand-new Boeing 777-300ER (B-KPL) was painted and delivered on 17 October 2009.[106][107][108]
[edit] | Tags: Retired | 3>
Since its conception in 1946, the airline had operated many types of aircraft. The first two aircraft were two World War II surplus Douglas DC-3s named Betsy and Niki. Betsy (VR-HDB), the first aircraft for Cathay Pacific, is now a permanent exhibit in the Hong Kong Science Museum. Niki (VR-HDA) was lost, but a similar DC-3 was purchased as a replacement. It was refurbished and repainted by the airline's Engineering Department and maintenance provider, Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Company, and it now wears the second Cathay Pacific livery from the late 1940s. This aircraft received Niki's old VR-HDA aircraft registration and is now on public view in the car park outside the Flight Training Centre of Cathay City.[109]
Betsy
Other aircraft that have been in service with Cathay Pacific are (in alphabetical order):
Airbus A340-200[110] (leased from Philippine Airlines for three years before delivery of A340-300)
Airbus A340-600 (leased from ILFC)
Avro Anson
Boeing 707–320
Boeing 747-200B[110] (all retired in 2009)
Boeing 747-300 (leased from Pakistan International Airlines since July 2002, 5 were on lease by PIA)[110]
Bristol Britannia (leased from BOAC for a few months whilst the Electras were taken out of service due to defects)
Consolidated PBY Catalina[111]
Convair 880[112]
Douglas DC-3[109]
Douglas DC-4[113]
Douglas DC-6
Lockheed L-1011-100 TriStar[114]
Lockheed L-188 Electra
During the late 1980s and early 1990s, Cathay Pacific was the largest operator of the Lockheed TriStar outside the United States.[114]
[edit] | Tags: Loyalty programmes | 2>
Cathay Pacific has two loyalty programmes: The Marco Polo Club (The Club), the loyalty programme, and Asia Miles, the travel reward programme. Members of The Club are automatically enrolled as Asia Miles members.[115] Asia Miles has been named the "Best Frequent Flyer Programme" in the 2009 Business Traveller Asia-Pacific Travel Awards and is the fifth consecutive year it has won the award.[116] As of April 2010, there were roughly 3.6 million Asia Miles members and 500,000 Marco Polo members.[117]
[edit] | Tags: Marco Polo Club | 3>
The Marco Polo Club logo
The Marco Polo Club is divided into four tiers, Green (entry level), Silver, Gold and Diamond, based on the member's past travel. A joining fee of US$50 or €35 is applicable for a Marco Polo Club membership. Members earn Club Miles and Club Sectors on eligible fare classes with Cathay Pacific, Dragonair and Oneworld member airlines. These are used to calculate the member's eligibility for membership renewal, upgrade or downgrade during the membership year. Higher-tiered members are provided with increased travel benefits such as guaranteed Economy Class seat, additional baggage allowance, priority flight booking and airport lounge access. The Marco Polo Club membership is terminated after 12 months of inactivity or failure to meet minimum travel criteria as outlined in the membership guide.[115][118]
Green
The Green tier is the entry level to the Marco Polo Club. Benefits include dedicated 24-hour club service line for flight reservations, designated Marco Polo check-in counters, excess baggage allowance and lounge access redemptions, and priority boarding. Members are required to earn four Club Sectors for membership renewal.[119]
Silver
Silver tier level is achieved or retained when the member earns 30,000 Club Miles or 20 Club Sectors during the membership year. Additional benefits for Silver Card members include advance seat reservations, priority waitlisting, Business Class check-in counters, 10 kg (22 lb) extra baggage allowance, priority baggage handling and Business Class lounge access when flying Cathay Pacific or Dragonair operated flights. Additionally, members are eligible to use the Frequent Visitor e-Channels, for seamless self-service immigration clearance at Hong Kong International Airport. Marco Polo Club Silver tier status is equivalent to Oneworld Ruby tier status, which entitles members to Oneworld Ruby benefits when travelling on a Oneworld member airline.[119][120]
The Wing, Cathay Pacific's flagship airline lounge at Hong Kong International Airport
Gold
Gold tier level is achieved or retained when the member earns 60,000 Club Miles or 40 Club Sectors during the membership year. Additional benefits for Gold Card members include guaranteed Economy Class seat on Cathay Pacific or Dragonair flights booked 72 hours before departure, 15 kg (33 lb) or one piece of extra baggage allowance, Business Class lounge access with one guest when flying Cathay Pacific or Dragonair operated flights and arrival lounge access when flying Cathay Pacific or Dragonair operated and marketed flights. Marco Polo Club Gold tier status is equivalent to Oneworld Sapphire tier status, which entitles members to Oneworld Sapphire benefits when travelling on a Oneworld member airline.[119]
Diamond
The second highest tier in the Marco Polo Club. Diamond tier level is achieved or retained when the member earns 120,000 Club Miles or 80 Club Sectors during the membership year. Additional benefits for Diamond Card members include top priority waitlisting, guaranteed Economy Class or Business Class seat on Cathay Pacific or Dragonair flights booked 24 hours before departure, First Class check-in counters, 20 kg (44 lb) or one piece of extra baggage allowance, First Priority baggage handling, First Class lounge access with two guests when flying Cathay Pacific or Dragonair operated flights and Business Class lounge access with two guests when flying on any airline. Marco Polo Club Diamond tier status is equivalent to Oneworld Emerald tier status, which entitles members to Oneworld Emerald benefits when travelling on a Oneworld member airline.[119]
Diamond Plus
The highest tier in the Marco Polo Club. Diamond Plus tier level offered annually to the top one percent of Diamond members worldwide “in recognition of their exceptional and consistent travel performance and their contribution to Cathay Pacific and Dragonair. Diamond Plus and Diamond members are “considered in the same tier in every aspect”. However, Diamond Plus get extra perks consisting of "Nomination of one companion to the Diamond tier", "Access to CX First Class lounges regardless which airline they are flying". Marco Polo Club Diamond Plus tier status is equivalent to Oneworld Emerald tier status, which entitles members to Oneworld Emerald benefits when travelling on a Oneworld member airline.[121]
[edit] | Tags: Asia Miles | 3>
Asia Miles logo
Asia Miles is a more traditional travel rewards programme in which Mileage Credits are accumulated by flying on Cathay Pacific, Dragonair or a partner airline. Mileage Credits can also be earned by spending through a number of hotels, credit card companies, car rental agencies, telecommunication companies and other non-airline channels. These miles can then be redeemed for flights or other products and services. Asia Miles membership is free; however, membership will be suspended after 36 months of inactivity, and can be closed without notice, once all remaining mileage credits have expired.[122][123]
[edit] | Tags: Ground handling | 3>
Self-check in kiosks at Hong Kong International Airport
On 22 January 2007 and 18 December 2008 respectively, Cathay Pacific launched more methods to check-in for flights. Among them were self-check in utilising a kiosk at Hong Kong International Airport and select destinations globally. Another checking in via a mobile phone. Worldwide, only a limited number of other airlines offer these options. Cathay Pacific later announced, on April 17, 2009, the airline's first ever Mobile Boarding Pass application, dubbed CX Mobile, was launched. Passengers can use the application to check flight arrivals and departures, check-in for their flights, read about the destination they are flying to using City Guides. CX Mobile has become a hit with passengers, making Cathay Pacific into one of the industry | Tags: Iata,Icao,Websites related to: Make Money Cpa |