The Hong Kong Aviation Forum welcomes the International Air Transport Association's (IATA) latest passenger traffic projections for Hong Kong, foreseeing a recovery to pre-pandemic levels by the end of 2024, ahead of previous predictions.
It is also welcoming to hear optimistic remarks by IATA Director General Willie Walsh, citing the Chinese Mainland reopening and the government's labour importation measures as contributing factors to Hong Kong's accelerated recovery.
'We agree with the Director General's remarks that "the situation is looking bright for Hong Kong". The latest projection aligns with home carrier Cathay Pacific's aim of returning to pre-pandemic levels by the end of 2024,' a spokesperson for the forum said.
'The latest IATA prediction is an encouraging sign of Hong Kong's aviation industry returning to normal. Last week, Cathay celebrated the graduation of its first group of cadet pilots since the pandemic. Cathay is also back in the Top 10 in the latest Skytrax World's Best Airline rank and has also been awarded the Best Inflight Entertainment for the first time. These are all indications that the Hong Kong aviation industry will rebuild and become even stronger.'
'The Hong Kong aviation community has been working together in accelerating the recovery. We pay tribute to and recognise the contribution of people working in the Hong Kong aviation industry.'
ENDS
Tuesday, 4 July 2023
Issued at HKT 16:20