Cathay Pacific Group is to cease Cathay Dragon operations and retire the Cathay Dragon brand as part of a corporate restructuring.
The Cathay Pacific Cargo brand will continue to operate as scheduled and the Hong Kong based carrier’s freighter operations remain fully intact. However, with the closure of Cathay Dragon, cargo-only passenger services to exclusive Cathay Dragon airports will cease “with immediate effect”.
Said an airline spokesperson: “The global pandemic continues to have a devastating impact on aviation and on the Cathay Pacific business. Whilst our cargo freighter operations have continued to operate at full capacity throughout this time, the passenger business shows few signs of recovery in the near term.
“As a reference point, in September we carried just 1,500 passengers a day compared to the 100,000 we would normally expect to carry.
“We have taken every possible action to mitigate the losses associated with the current pandemic and our recent recapitalisation has enabled us to continue to operate. Thanks to the HKSAR Government, our shareholders, our business partners, and our outstanding people, so far we have been able to weather the storm.”
The spokesperson continued: “Unfortunately, we will not survive without further measures. As a result we have today announced a restructure of the Cathay Pacific Group. This means focusing on two clearly segmented passenger brands, harnessing Cathay Pacific’s premium experience and strong brand recognition, complemented with the low-cost model of HK Express. Sadly, this means that we have decided to cease Cathay Dragon operations and retire the Cathay Dragon brand.
“From a Cargo perspective, the Cathay Pacific Cargo brand will continue to operate as scheduled and our freighter operations remain fully intact. However, with the closure of our Cathay Dragon brand, cargo-only passenger services to exclusive Cathay Dragon ports will cease with immediate effect.
“This will have a limited impact on our current cargo network coverage in the short term.”
Airports affected where there are currently operating Cathay Dragon regular cargo services are FOC, CAN, KUL, and FUK. Other KA Ports where the carrier operates on an ad hoc basis will also be affected.
Said the spokesperson: “We will continue to operate freighters to XMN, CTU, and HAN, but we will not be able to operate KA passenger aircraft to these ports in the near term.
“We recognize that this will have an impact on our network and therefore may affect your business. We sincerely apologise for any disruption caused. I can assure you that our teams are already working to protect affected cargo where possible and restore services to affected ports.
“The reintroduction of service coverage will differ from port to port and we will communicate any reinstatements as and when they are confirmed.”
The airline said that it will continue “to press ahead and at pace,” with its” progressive and well-developed plans to become a truly customer-centric air cargo business”.
Use the Flight Availability function on www.cathaypacificcargo.com for the latest flight information
