Cathay Pacific Airways welcomes the decision by the Executive Council of the Hong Kong SAR Government to approve the building of a third runway at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA). The airline reiterated its unequivocal support for the development of a third runway which it believes is necessary to maintain the long-term competitiveness of Hong Kong as a premier aviation hub.

Cathay Pacific Chief Executive Ivan Chu said: “This is a remarkable milestone in the third runway project and we wholeheartedly welcome today’s endorsement by the Executive Council. Building third runway is the only viable way for our airport to keep pace with future growth, and to continue to support Hong Kong’s pillar industries in tourism, international trade, logistics, and finance and professional services.

“We look forward to engaging the Airport Authority on the future development of the third runway.”

Cathay Pacific believes that the Airport Authority is fully capable of financing the construction of the third runway through its own means without the need to impose additional financial burden on users.

The airline also holds the view that the Airport Authority, as a public body, should reinvest its income in the development of the third runway so that the airport can maintain its premier hub status and continue to make an important economic contribution to Hong Kong.