Cathay Pacific CEO Sees Global Network Expanding To 150 Destinations In 10 Years

Cathay Pacific CEO Ronald Lam said the airline's overall capacity has already exceeded pre-pandemic levels over the past three years and he hopes its global network will expand to 150 destinations in the next 10 years, according to ETNet. Lam said Cathay plans to take delivery of 150 next-generation aircraft, but some deliveries have been delayed by supply-chain tightness across the global aviation industry. He said the company is staying in contact with suppliers and expects the impact on future development to be limited. He also said ticket prices depend on several factors, including network, products and services, and reiterated that Cathay aims to offer value for money. On competition from high-speed rail, Lam said rail cannot fully replace air travel and the two are complementary rather than a zero-sum game. Lam added that air-rail intermodal travel has potential, and said Hong Kong currently has more than 20 mainland China destinations. He hopes to keep adding flights and destinations. He said Cathay will continue upgrading cabin and ground products and refreshing short-haul aircraft, while opening its first Cathay lounge at New York's airport later this year and a new lounge at Tokyo Narita Airport in early next year.