Dear Members,
As we commemorate the seventh anniversary of the Hong Kong Aviation Forum, I am delighted to reflect on the exceptional achievements and transformative developments over the past year.
First, I am immensely grateful to all Hong Kong Aviation Forum members. Your unwavering support, boundless enthusiasm, and infectious excitement have been the fuel for our journey.
A significant milestone was reached when Hong Kong lifted all COVID-19 travel restrictions in April, a testament to the resilience of our aviation community and city and heralding a new era for our aviation community.
The Cathay Group, our city's flagship airline group, has demonstrated remarkable progress, expected to restore 70% of its pre-pandemic capacity and anticipating its first annual profit since 2019. Also, the Cathay Group has made strategic aircraft orders for 32 new-generation Airbus A320-family aircraft and six A350F freighters. Cathay has also received recognition from Skytrax as 'World's Best Inflight Entertainment' and has gotten back into the top 10 globally, a testament to the unwavering pursuit of quality within our aviation sector. Furthermore, the eagerly anticipated introduction of the all-new 'Aria' business class suites on the Boeing 777-300ER, expected to take flight in Q2 next year, and the arrival of the state-of-the-art B777-9 in the future add another exciting dimension to our industry.
To reignite travel to Hong Kong, the Hong Kong International Airport has generously given away flight tickets, contributing to the resurgence of travel sentiment. Encouragingly, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) forecasts a full recovery of Hong Kong aviation before 2024, showcasing the collective hard work, determination, and resilience of our industry.
Moving beyond our local landscape, the global aviation industry is on a promising trajectory, with expectations set for a return to full pre-2019 capacity or even greater heights. This positive outlook is a testament to the international aviation community's collaborative efforts and unwavering spirit.
Our community's online presence has been both impactful and dynamic. I am delighted to share some notable achievements on our social media platforms, where our forum has reached over 2,000 followers on Instagram and Facebook and surpassed 4,500 followers on LinkedIn.
As we wrap up this remarkable year, I want to express my deepest gratitude to each member of our forum. Your active participation and enthusiasm have been the driving force behind our success.
Additionally, a heartfelt thank you goes to our moderators—the unsung heroes of our community. Your unwavering dedication and tireless efforts have been the backbone of our forum, ensuring that discussions flow smoothly, respectfully, and informatively. Your pivotal role in maintaining an open yet respectful atmosphere is truly commendable.
Looking ahead, with a rebranding on the horizon and a more substantial revamp of our website, I am confident that the Hong Kong Aviation Forum will continue to be a beacon of excellence and a dynamic, inclusive, and diverse hub for aviation enthusiasts.
As we approach the holiday season, I wish each of you a joyous and festive celebration. May the upcoming year be filled with prosperity, good health, and safe and exciting new adventures.
Thank you all for your continued support and commitment to the success of our forum.
ENDS
Sunday, 17 December 2023
Issued at HKT 19:30