Misplaced Pages

Revision as of 22:22, 12 August 2007

Cathay Pacific Airways (Cantonese: gwok3 taai3 hong4 hung1 yau5 haan6 gung1 si1; Chinese: 國泰航空有限公司; pinyin: Guótài Hángkōng Yŏuxiàn Gōngsī; abbreviation: 國泰) (SEHK: 293) is an airline based in Hong Kong, operating scheduled passenger and cargo services to over 104 destinations world-wide. It is the flag carrier of Hong Kong with its main base at Hong Kong International Airport.

Cathay Pacific is one of five airlines to carry a five-star rating from Skytrax. Also, the airline has ranked high in Skytrax's Airline of the Year awards since 2001 and it was named Airline of the Year in 2003 and 2005 by Skytrax and in 2006 by Air Transport World and OAG. Furthermore, Cathay Pacific is accredited by the IATA with the IOSA (IATA Operations Safety Audit) for its safety practices.

History

Early Years

Cathay Pacific Airways was founded in Hong Kong on September 24, 1946 by American Roy Farrell and Australian Sydney de Kantzow. Both men were ex-air force pilots who had flown The Hump, a route over the Himalayan Mountains. Each man put up HK$1 to register the airline. Although initially based in Shanghai, the two men moved to Hong Kong to found Cathay Pacific Airways. They named it "Cathay" because it was an ancient name given to China, and "Pacific" because Farrell speculated that they would one day fly across the Pacific. According to legend, the airline was conceived by Farrell and some foreign correspondents at the bar of the Manila Hotel. On Cathay Pacific's maiden voyage, Roy Farrell and Sydney de Kantzow flew from Hong Kong to Manila, and later on to Shanghai. They had a single Douglas DC-3, nicknamed Betsy. The airline initially flew routes between Hong Kong, Sydney, Manila, Singapore, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, while scheduled service was limited to Manila, Singapore and Bangkok only.

In 1948 Butterfield & Swire bought 45% of Cathay Pacific, with Australian National Airways taking 35% and Farrell and de Kantzow taking 10% each. The new company began operations on 1 July 1948 and was registered as Cathay Pacific Airways (1948) Ltd on 18 October 1948. Swire later acquired 52% of Cathay Pacific and today the airline is still 40% owned by the Swire Group through Swire Pacific.

Expansion in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s

The airline prospered into the 1960s, buying rival Hong Kong Airways in 1959, carrying its one millionth passenger in 1964, recording double digit growth until 1967, acquiring its first jet engined aircraft (Convair 880), and beginning international routes to airports in Japan. In the 1970s, Cathay Pacific implemented use of a computerised reservation system and flight simulators. In 1979, Cathay Pacific acquired its first Boeing 747 and applied for traffic rights to being flying to London. Expansion continued into the 1980s, when an industry-wide boom encouraged route growth to many European and North American centres. In 1986, Cathay Pacific went public.

The 1990s

In January 1990, Cathay Pacific and its parent company, Swire Pacific, acquired a significant shareholding in Dragonair, and a 60% stake in cargo airline Air Hong Kong. During the early 1990's, Cathay Pacific launched a programme to upgrade passenger service. Also, the green and white striped livery was replaced with the current "brushtroke" livery. Cathay Pacific began a US$9 billion fleet replacement program during the mid-1990's that resulted with Cathay Pacific having one of the youngest airline fleets in the world. In 1996, CITIC bought a 25% stake in Cathay Pacific while the Swire Group holding was reduced to 44% as two other Chinese companies, CNAC and CTS also bought substantial holdings. In September 1998, Cathay Pacific became a founding member of the Oneworld alliance. In 1999, they completed their new headquarters, named Cathay City, which is located at Hong Kong International Airport. Cathay Pacific was hurt by the Asian recession of the late 1990s, but recorded a record HK$5 billion profit in 2000.

The 49'ers - Industrial Troubles

Cathay Pacific sacked 49 of its 1,500 pilots on July 9, 2001; hence, they are known as "the 49ers" (though total dismissals and downgrades subsequent totalled 62). About half of the fired pilots were captains, or 5 percent of the total pilot group. But of the 25 officers of the Hong Kong Aircraft Officers Association (HKAOA), 9 were fired, including four of the seven union negotiators.

"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," says Capt. Nigel Demery, president of the HKAOA (and also Hong Kong-ALPA, the IFALPA affiliate of all Hong Kong based flightcrew members.)

The current head of the HKAOA, Captain Murray Gardner, is said to favour a more softline approach to dealing with management and indeed workplace relations between the two groups have been largelyconciliatory since 2002.

Cathay has subsequently offered the 49 pilots it sacked in 2001 the chance to reapply for pilot positions with its cargo subsidiary Cathay Pacific Cargo, guaranteeing such applicants first interviews, subject to passing psychometric testing.

Reference:

Acquisition of Dragonair

On June 9 2006, Cathay Pacific underwent a shareholding realignment under which Dragonair became wholly owned by Cathay Pacific but continued to operate under its own brand. Air China, and its subsidiary, CNAC Limited, acquired a 17.5% stake in Cathay Pacific, and Cathay Pacific doubled its shareholding in Air China to 20%. CITIC reduced its shareholding to 17.5%, and Swire would reduced its shareholding to 40%.

Present

In 2006 the airline reached its 60th anniversary. To celebrate, a year of roadshows named the "Cathay Pacific 60th Anniversary Skyshow" was held. During these roadshows, the public could see the developments of the airline through the last 60 years, play games, meet some of the airline's staff, and view vintage uniforms. Cathay Pacific also introduced anniversary merchandise and inflight meals served by famous restaurants in Hong Kong in collaboration with the celebrations.

Awards

Cathay Pacific was named World's Best Overall Airline in 2003 and 2005 by Skytrax survey. The airline was also awarded with Best First Class, Best First Class Lounge (Hong Kong), and Best Business Class Lounge (Hong Kong) by Skytrax. Source The airline was named Airline of the Year 2006 by Air Transport World (ATW). Source

It was also named Airline of the Year 2006 by OAG. Source

Destinations

• Cathay Pacific Cargo has launched daily freighter services from Hong Kong to Shanghai using Boeing 747-200F aircraft, making it the second mainland China city served after it resumed passenger services to Beijing in December 2003, after a 13 year break (ref: Airliner World, March 2005).

• The first flight to land at the new Hong Kong International Airport, Chek Lap Kok, was the Cathay Pacific flight CX6889 from New York John F. Kennedy International Airport, USA, non-stop and flying over the North Pole, which arrived on July 6 1998. This flight was named Polar One.

• The JFK-HKG flight path has now become the main route from the U.S. East Coast to Asia. The non-stop route from Hong Kong to New York JFK over the North Pole (CX830/831) became fully operational on 1 July 2004 with A340-600 aircraft. It is Cathay Pacific's longest direct flight, as well as one of the longest direct flights by distance in the world at 8055mi or 12968 km, lasting for approximately 16 hours. Continental Airlines also operates on this route, departing from Newark Liberty International Airport.

• After 25 years of operating flights to London, Cathay Pacific announced on June 27 2005 the addition of a fourth daily non-stop flight to the British capital. The new service began on December 1 2005 and is operated by an Airbus A340-300 in a three class configuration. The four daily London flights are operated by an Airbus A340-600, an Airbus A340-300 and two Boeing 747-400's.

• On August 1 2005, Cathay Pacific added a third daily non-stop service to Los Angeles with a B747-400. All three LAX-HKG flights are operated by 747's.

• On November 1 2005, Cathay Pacific added a second daily non-stop flight to and from Jakarta. This new service is operated by an Airbus A330-300 (two class configuration). The current one-stop service to Jakarta via Singapore have been discontinued.

• The fifth daily flight to Incheon International Airport, Seoul, South Korea began on January 27 2006.

• On December 7 2005 Cathay Pacific announced it will strengthen Hong Kong and Europe's connections with a daily service to Rome, starting March 27 2006. Cathay Pacific is the only airline that operates direct flights to Italy from Hong Kong.

• On 29 March 2006, Cathay Pacific launched its first freighter service to Chennai, starting 2 June 2006.

• On 19 June 2006, Cathay Pacific announced it will add Stockholm and Toronto to its freighter network. Stockholm will be the extension of Cathay Pacific’s existing flight to Munich, commencing 17 September 2006. As for Toronto, it will be the extension of the airline’s freighter service to New York, commencing 20 September 2006.

• On 25 September 2006, Cathay Pacific announced that Shanghai will return to the airline’s passenger network on December 1st with a daily return service between Hong Kong International Airport and Shanghai’s Pudong International Airport after a 16-year hiatus.

• On 29 April 2007, Cathay Pacific once suspended its flights to Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo, after several attacks on the airport by a para-military group.

• On October 1, 2007, Cathay Pacific will add a third daily non-stop flight to Melbourne Airport and three weekly flight to Adelaide International Airport, both by Airbus A330-300 aircrafts. By then HKG-ADL flights will be increased to one daily. HKG-ADL flights are non-stop flights, and ADL-HKG flight will have a stop at Melbourne Airport.

• On October 18, 2007, Cathay Pacific will add a second daily non-stop flight to San Francisco International Airport by Boeing 747-400 aircrafts. Both HKG-SFO flights will be operated by the 747s.

• On October 28, 2007, Cathay Pacific will add three weekly non-stop flight to Vancouver International Airport by Airbus A340-300 aircrafts (CX836/835) with the new added flights will depart at midnight (0005hrs) from Hong Kong. By then HKG-YVR flights will be increased to 17 flights weekly. Also, a fifth weekly flight to Perth Airport by Airbus A330-300(CX171/170) will be added. On the same day, Cathay Pacific will add its sixth flight to Tokyo (CX548/549). Plus, Cathay Pacific will code-share on the new services to Fukuoka and Sendai to be operated by its sister airline Dragonair. Code-shared flights between Hong Kong and Fukuoka will operate under CX6700/6701 and Sendai will be CX6702/6730

• On November 15, 2007, Cathay Pacific will add a second daily non-stop flight to New York John F. Kennedy International Airport with the new Boeing 777-300ER aircraft(CX840/841), with original CX830/831 will also applies the new Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. By then HKG-JFK flights will be increased to 3 flights daily, two non-stop and one with stop in Vancouver International Airport (CX888/889).

Fleet

Passenger Fleet

Cathay Pacific has a fleet of 106 planes, 36 of which are fitted with 3 classes of service (First, Long-haul Business, and Economy) for long-haul flights and 47 are fitted with 2 classes of service (Long-haul/Regional Business and Economy) for short-haul flights and some long-haul flights. Cathay Pacific operates an all-widebody fleet, which includes their cargo fleet of 21 freighters.

At August 2007, the average age of the Cathay Pacific fleet was 7.0 years.

On July 29 2005, Cathay Pacific took delivery of its 95th aircraft, an Airbus A330-300 aircraft, which is equipped with new-generation entertainment system. Cathay Pacific has 5 more Airbus A330-300s on firm order and will also be adding to its fleet 13 747-400s, some new and some reconfigured from the fleet. By September 2006, Cathay's 60th anniversary, the fleet size reached 100 aircraft.

On December 1, 2005, Cathay Pacific announced one of the biggest aircraft order in its history, ordering 16 777-300ER aircraft (12 from Boeing and 4 on lease from ILFC) to be delivered between September 2007 and July 2010, plus options on 20 more of the type, 2 of which were converted to orders on June 1, 2006. The airline intends to use the 777-300ERs to replace existing A340s, some of which are early models with payload limitations. Cathay Pacific also ordered 3 more Airbus A330-300 from Airbus the same day, with the delivery of the aircraft in 2008. Cathay Pacific may soon reach a decision regarding the issue of how the airline's future high-capacity long-haul requirements are to be fulfilled by ordering either the A380-800 or the 747-8.

On July 27, 2006, Cathay Pacific received its 99th aircraft, a 777-367 with the registration B-HNQ. On August 29, 2006, Cathay Pacific 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 60th anniversary livery with a 60th anniversary sticker behind the second doors (2L and 2R) and the letters '100th aircraft' at the rear of the aircraft. The aircraft was named 'Progress Hong Kong', a name that was chosen from a naming competition by the staff.

On August 7, 2007, Cathay Pacific Airways announced that it has placed an order for five more advanced wide-body Boeing 777-300ER “Extended Range” aircraft in the price of about US$11 billion, increasing its commitment to a total of 23 of the aircraft type. The five additional Boeing 777-300ERs will be purchased directly from the Boeing Company. The five additional Boeing 777-300ER aircraft will be delivered in 2011.

Cargo Fleet

Retired Fleet

Since its conception in 1946, Cathay Pacific had operated many types of aircraft. The first two Cathay Pacific aircraft were two World War II surplus Douglas DC-3s named Betsy and Nikki. Other aircraft that have been in service with Cathay Pacific are:

• Douglas DC-3
• Douglas DC-4
• Douglas DC-6
• Lockheed L-188 Electra
• Convair 880
• Boeing 707-320
• Boeing 747-200
• Boeing 747-300
• Airbus A340-200 (leased from Philippine Airlines for 3 years before delivery of A340-300)
• Lochkeed L-1011-100 TriStar.

During late 1980s and early 1990s, Cathay Pacific was the largest operator of Lockheed TriStar outside the USA.

Services

Catering

Food and beverages served on flights leaving Hong Kong are provided by Cathay Pacific Catering Services in facilities in Hong Kong. CSL Catering Services Limited is a joint venture with LSG Sky Chefs and offers inflight catering from airports in Toronto, Ontario and Vancouver, British Columbia.

In-flight entertainment

Cathay Pacific's onboard entertainment system is called Studio. All seats in all classes are equipped with Personal TVs (PTVs), but the content comes in two versions:

• In all classes on all flights there are more than 20 video channels and more than 20 audio channels, all running on a 2 hour cycle. The primary language of the content is English; Cantonese, Mandarin and Japanese content is also always available along with a variety of other languages (Korean, Thai, Hindi, Tagalog and Bahasa Malaysia) depending on the route being flown. On selected routes there are also English-language movies with alternative soundtracks in a range of European and Asian languages.

• In addition, in First Class and Long-Haul Business Class (including on short-haul and regional flights flown by planes with this configuration) Studio includes an Audio/Video On Demand (AVOD) system. An enhanced version of the Studio AVOD was rolled out from February 2006 and it now provides a choice of 50 movies, 100 TV programmes and 120 audio CDs (in 11 genres). Seats which have the AVOD system are also equipped with headphones which Cathay Pacific has labelled in their marketing as "noise cancelling". However, while these headphones are significantly superior to those at seats without AVOD, they do not appear to have an active noise cancellation system in the same sense as those on other airlines such as American Airlines.

Ten interactive games are available in all classes on all flights where the AVOD is available on the aircraft.

AVOD is available in First and Business Class on Boeing B747-400s, Airbus A340s (both -300s and -600s) and selected A330-300s (long-haul, 3-class configuration). The system is not yet available on any aircraft in Economy Class, nor in the Regional Business Class of the Boeing 777-200s and -300s, and selected A330-300s (regional, 2-class configuration). However, passengers travelling in the newly-enhanced Economy Class will be able to use the AVOD system when it is introduced some time during 2007 on selected long-haul flights.

New seats

Starting in May 2007, Cathay Pacific is phasing in new seat designs and cabin interiors with enhanced inflight entertainment options. A new and unusual feature of the business class is the three-point seatbelt design, which was previously used on business jets only. This design will offer increased stability at take-off and landing. The 3-point design only has to be used during take-off and landing and can be converted back to a common 2-point lap belt during the flight if desired.

The first aircraft with the new seats installed is B-HKT, a Boeing 747-400, which made its first commercial flight with them on CX 460 between Hong Kong and Taipei on 11 May 2007. However, only New First and Business Class seats are installed. The new Economy Class seats are installed on B-HOT, the second Boeing 747-400 to undergo the conversion in Xiamen. It is the first plane to feature the new seats and cabin in all three classes.

First Class

The New First Class seats are fully adjustable with massage function. The new seats can be easily converted into a 36” x 81” bed, believed to be the largest provided on any commercial airline. Additional stowage space and a personal closet will also be provided as well as an Ottoman for others to "visit". In total, the seat can actually seat up to three people, and the seat can also be used as a chaise. The new First Class will also feature a new extendable meal table and an enhanced personal entertainment system with a fully adjustable 17" 16:9 TV screen.

Business Class

The New Business Class will feature suites with luxurious seats that can be converted into a 6-foot 6-inch horizontal flat bed in herring-bone configuration. The new seats also offer four-way lumbar support and a relaxing massage. The angle of the seat, leg-rest, and footrest can all be adjusted to provide extra comfort. The New Business class will also offer a new 110 V AC power socket. The enhanced inflight personal entertainment system will offer a large 15" 16:9 personal TV and Audio Video On Demand. The handset doubles as a personal phone. The new design also offers more privacy for business class passengers than previous layouts.

Economy Class

The New Economy Class seats, designed by B/E Aerospace, will have a fixed back design, which allows passengers to recline their seats without intruding on those seated behind. The new Live Back Upholstered Seats uses office chair technology to provide extra support for the spine. A larger 9" personal TV screen will be able to offer Audio Video On Demand. Other features of the New Economy Class include: a larger tray table, a coat hook and a literature pocket that has been relocated to below the seat cushion which creates more leg room for passengers.

Marco Polo Club/Asia Miles

Main articles: The Marco Polo Club, Asia Miles

Cathay Pacific has two loyalty programmes, The Marco Polo Club ("The Club") and Asia Miles. Members of "The Club" are automatically enrolled as Asia Miles members.

The Club, with a history of over 36 years, divides members into four tiers based on past travel. Higher tiered members are provided with increasing travel benefits on future flights such as upgrades, additional baggage allowance, priority flight booking and lounge access.

Asia Miles is a more traditional travel rewards programme in which "miles" are accumulated by flying on Cathay Pacific or a partner airline. Miles 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.

Codeshare agreements

Cathay Pacific's network is expanding rapidly with codeshare links from Oneworld hubs such as American Airlines' Los Angeles, and British Airways' London Heathrow.

Cathay Pacific has also started to codeshare on France SNCF TGV Trains from Aéroport Charles-de-Gaulle TGV Station to ten French cities.

Cathay Pacific has codeshare agreements with the following airlines as of March 2007:

• Air China
• Aeroflot
• American Airlines
• British Airways
• Comair
• Dragonair
• Iberia Airlines
• Japan Airlines
• Malaysia Airlines
• Mexicana Airlines
• Philippine Airlines
• Qantas
• Vietnam Airlines

Incidents and accidents

• On June 16 1948, "Miss Macao", from Macau to Hong Kong. Four men hijacked this plane and they killed the pilot after take off. The plane crashed in Pearl River Delta near Zhuhai, 26 people died, only 1 person survived (the leader of the hijackers). This was the first hijacking of a commercial liner in the world. (This plane was operated by a Cathay Pacific subsidiary.)
• On July 23 1954, DC-4, NO:VR-HEU, from Bangkok to Hong Kong. This plane was shot down by the People's Liberation Army Air Force in South China Sea near Hainan Island, 10 people died, 8 people survived. After the incident, Cathay Pacific received an apology and compensation from the People's Liberation Army Air Force.
• On June 15 1972, Convair 880, Flight 700Z, from Bangkok to Hong Kong. A bomb exploded in a suitcase placed under a seat in the cabin while the aircraft was flying at 29,000 feet over Pleiku, Vietnam; the aircraft disintegrated and crashed. The 81 people on board were all killed. It was later confirmed that the bomb was put on the aircraft by a royal Thai police officer whose daughter and fiancé were aboard.

Trivia

• The Boeing customer code of Cathay Pacific is 67. Therefore the number of a Boeing 747-400 for Cathay Pacific is 747-467.
• One of the two Douglas DC-3s, 'Betsy', which is the first aircraft for Cathay Pacific, is now a permanent exhibit in the Hong Kong Science Museum. Its registration code is VR-HDB.
• The other Douglas DC-3, 'Nikki' (VR-HDA) was lost, but a similar DC-3 has been purchased by Cathay Pacific. It was renovated and repainted by CX Engineering and the Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Company and it now wears the original Cathay Pacific color scheme. This aircraft received 'Nikki's' old VR-HDA registration and is now on public view in the car park outside the Flight Training Centre of Cathay City.
• There is a discrepancy between the literal English and Chinese names for the company. The Chinese name for the company comes from a Chinese idiom meaning "Grand and Peaceful State", whilst the English name refers to the Medieval name for China, "Cathay" having derived from "Khitan", the ethnic group who ruled Northern China in the 10th century AD.
• Cathay Pacific operated the first commercial flight to arrive at the new Hong Kong International Airport, the CX6889 from John F. Kennedy International Airport, and also the last commercial flight to leave Hong Kong's old Kai Tak Airport, the CX251 to London Heathrow Airport.
• Cathay Pacific, along with Singapore Airlines, Middle East Airlines, JetBlue, Emirates, Virgin Atlantic, and Oasis Hong Kong have personal TVs (PTVs) on every seat of every aircraft in their fleet.
• On the DVD Jackie Chan: My Stunts, which contains English and Chinese versions of the documentary, there is an advertisement for Cathay Pacific (one in English, one in Chinese), advertising that "personal TV's are progressively being added to our entire fleet." The company slogan, at the time the advertisement was made, was "Cathay Pacific: The Heart of Asia."
• In the movie The Bourne Ultimatum a Cathay Pacific 747's tail is shown at London's Heathrow Airport during the early stages of the movie.

References

1. ^ "Directory: World Airlines". Flight International. 2007-04-03. p. 62.
2. Cathay Pacific Airways IOSA Operators Profile
3. "Fly away with Cathay Pacific", Air Highways, retrieved 8 March 2006
4. Cathay orders five more 777-300ERs

External links

• Cathay Pacific
• Cathay Pacific USA
• Cathay Pacific Canada
• Cathay Pacific Small Business
• Cathay Pacific Travel Agent Portal
• Cathay Pacific North American Travel Agent Portal
• Cathay Pacific Fleet Age
• Cathay Pacific Fleet Detail

v t e Members of Oneworld
Current members	Founding members American Airlines British Airways Cathay Pacific Qantas Full members Alaska Airlines Finnair Iberia Japan Airlines Malaysia Airlines Qatar Airways Royal Air Maroc Royal Jordanian SriLankan Airlines Affiliate members American Eagle BA CityFlyer BA EuroFlyer Hokkaido Air System Horizon Air Iberia Express Iberia Regional J-Air Japan Air Commuter Japan Transocean Air Nordic Regional Airlines QantasLink Royal Air Maroc Express SkyWest Airlines Sun-Air Oneworld Connect members Fiji Airways
Future members	Hawaiian Airlines Oman Air
Former members	Aer Lingus Air Berlin Canadian Airlines International LATAM Malév Mexicana
Suspended members	S7 Airlines

v t e Airlines of Hong Kong
Full-service	Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Airlines
Low-cost	Greater Bay Airlines HK Express
Charter	Hongkong Jet Metrojet TAG Aviation Asia
Cargo	Air Hong Kong Cathay Cargo Hong Kong Air Cargo
Helicopter service	Heliservices Sky Shuttle
Defunct	Cathay Dragon Hong Kong Air International Hong Kong Airways Jetstar Hong Kong Macau Air Transport Company Oasis Hong Kong Airlines Waterfront Air

Template:Link GA

• Cathay Pacific
• Airlines of Hong Kong
• Swire Group
• Airlines established in 1947