TNAG-0964-FCO40-1183-Air-services-between-the-UK-and-Hong-Kong-1980 — Page 28

Oriental Daily

19th March, 1980

Shocking outcome of the application

for the London-Hong Kong Route

The decision of the British Civil Aviation Authority to

grant British Caledonian Airways the second licence for

the route to London and to bar CPA, the local flag carrier,

from landing in London is another evidence of Britain's

imperialistic attitude in ignoring the interests of Hong Kong.

The Hong Kong Government may render full support for CPA

to appeal through the British Minister of Trade within 21 days.

evealed

A government spokesman revealed yesterday that government

action will depend on the next move by CPA.

Another possible channel of appeal can possibly be made

by the local government through the British Foreign Ministry.

7

According to sources of information obtained in Hong Kong,

the decision of the local Air Transport Licencing Authority

was based on the demand of passengers travelling on the Hong

Kong-London route in the next five years. The present passenger

capacity for British Airways when operating the service alone

is 209000, a number which is estimated to come down to 143000

next year.

If the growth rate of passengers increases by

12% during the next 5 years, the number of passengers would

amount to 234000 next year. The remaining 91000 passengers

>

i