THE EXPRESS (20/3/80)
SUPPORTING CPA'S APPEAL TO UK
Civil
The decision of the British Civil Aviation Authority to
reject the application by Cathay Pacific Airways to operate the HK/ London route is discriminatory and inexplicable. No wonder people in the commercial and industrial sectors responded to the issue so
vigorously.
We think the rejection of the application of CPA on the grounds that the HK/London route is only suitable for DC10 planes, and not for Boeing 747s is absolutely unreasonable. The only
explanation for granting the operating rights to another British airline can only be that the CAA is trying to monopolise the routs
with British airlines.
Although there is a special relation existing between HK
and Britain, F, as a trading centre and special area, should have
an independent right regarding trade matters. On the operation of
air services, there has been a long standing practices on equal
status and reciprocity. Two British airlines will be able to operate
on this route, but the HK airline cannot do so. It is actually a
discriminatory, biased and unfair decision. The important point of
this problem does not only concern the commercial interests of CPA,
but also the overall interests and dignity of HK.
HK is not asking Britain to give away any benefits to us,
but rather hopes that Britain will adopt measures to achieve mutual
benefits. HK has done a lot on this aspect, one example is that HK
is shouldering most of the cost of the British garrison here.
In the interests of HK, wo totally supported the appeal lodged by CPA. We also hope that the HK government can negotiate with the British Authorities to fight for the operation rights which
our airline is entitled to.