Dragonair welcomed the Budget speech made by HKSAR Financial Secretary Mr. John Tsang today in which he announced that the government would continue to invest heavily in infrastructure and enhance the status of Hong Kong as a logistics centre and regional aviation hub, as well as further promoting cooperation in business and professional services between the Mainland and Hong Kong.

Dragonair is pleased that the HKSAR Government will keep the development of the four pillar industries of Hong Kong - trading and logistics, financial services, business and professional services, and tourism - as a top priority. The airline also appreciates the emphasis put on the long-term strategy for the development of Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA).

Dragonair Chief Executive Officer Patrick Yeung said: "Hong Kong is an international logistics hub that is well known for the excellence and efficiency of its airport facilities. As a Hong Kong-based airline, Dragonair is committed to linking the region through premium flight services and training young talents to contribute to the local aviation industry.

"We are pleased that the Financial Secretary has addressed the need to ensure that the handling capacity of HKIA can match the ever-increasing air traffic demand. We believe there is an urgent need for a third runway in response to airport capacity constraints and fierce competition from neighbouring hubs.

"We are happy to hear that the Government is considering the recommendations of Airport Authority Hong Kong on the commencement of the next stage of work in preparation for the third runway at HKIA. We look forward to seeing any move in the airport expansion project," Mr Yeung added.

The Budget speech mentioned that for the business and professional services sector, opportunities offered under the National 12th Five-Year Plan through the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA) platform, such as mutual recognition of professional qualifications and enabling Hong Kong professionals to set up practices in the Mainland, would lead to more interaction and a greater flow of traffic between the Mainland and Hong Kong.

Mr Yeung said: "With Mainland China as our core market, Dragonair welcomes the fostering the cooperation in various sectors between Hong Kong and the Mainland and the increasing demand for air traffic that would result."

Dragonair, an affiliate member of oneworld, is a Hong Kong-based airline operating a fleet of 32 passenger aircraft and serving 33 regional destinations, including 17 cities in Mainland China. Dragonair has been recognised for its product and service quality, and was voted for two consecutive years "World's Best Regional Airline" in the annual World Airline Survey run by Skytrax in 2010 and 2011. Dragonair is part of the Cathay Pacific Group, providing seamless connectivity for passengers to more than 140 cities around the globe.

Dragonair web site address: www.dragonair.com