Information AboutCathay Pacific |
Cathay Pacific Airways Limited () is an Airline based in Hong Kong , operating scheduled passenger and cargo services to over 104 destinations worldwide. It is the Flag Carrier of Hong Kong with its main base at Hong Kong International Airport 1. Cathay Pacific is one of five airlines to carry a five-star rating from Skytrax . It was named Airline of the Year in 2003 and 2005 by Skytrax and in 2006 by Air Transport World and OAG. Cathay Pacific is accredited by the IATA with the IOSA (IATA Operations Safety Audit) for its safety practices. Cathay Pacific Airways IOSA Operators Profile HISTORY at Hong Kong Chek Lap Kok Airport]] at London Heathrow Airport ]] at London Heathrow Airport ]] at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport ]] .]] Early Years Cathay Pacific Airways was founded in 2006 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 Canton , 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 installed a computerised reservation system and flight simulators. In 1979, Cathay Pacific acquired its first Boeing 747 and applied for traffic rights to begin flying to London. Expansion continued into the 1980s, when an industry-wide boom encouraged route growth to many Europe an and North America n 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 1990s, 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-1990s 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 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 largely conciliatory since 2002. Cathay has 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: {Link without Title} 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 Cathy Pacific is one of the only 5 airlines which has been rated as a 5 star airline by Skytrax Cathay Pacific was named World's Best Overall Airline in 2003 and 2005 by Skytrax survey. Cathay Pacific is also accredited by the IATA with the IOSA (IATA Operations Safety Audit) for its safety practices. 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
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. Cathay Pacific is the fourth biggest operator of Boeing 747 and the biggest operator of Airbus A330 (Which Taken from TWA ) 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 13 747-400 s, 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/-900 , Airbus A350 , Boeing 787 or the Boeing 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 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 {Link without Title} Cathay orders five more 777-300ERs. 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 (Cathay Pacific is the fourth biggest operator of Boeing 747 ) 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:
During the late 1980s and early 1990s, Cathay Pacific was the largest operator of the 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 StudioCX. All seats in all classes are equipped with Personal TVs (PTVs) which means each seat has their own LCD display and they have been installed on all aircraft since late 1980, but the content comes in two versions:
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 B747-400 s, Airbus A340 s (both -300s and -600s) and selected A330-300 s (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 A330-300 s (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. {Link without Title} 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 seat up to three people, and 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:
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