TNAG-0964-FCO40-1183-Air-services-between-the-UK-and-Hong-Kong-1980 — Page 38

WAH KIU YAT PO (25/3/80)

After 30 years' monopoly of the London-HK air route,

British Airways' services can now no longer meet actual demand.

The British government has decided to allow one more airline to run

the service. Two airlines - British Caledonian Airways and Cathay

Pacific Airways have applied to operate this extra route. Eventually, CPA's application was rejected by the British Civil Aviation

Authority with the reason that the 747 planes used by CPA were not

suitable for this route.

that the

CFA thought that it had been discriminated against and

CAA's decision had gone against the will of the HK people.

It has decided to appeal to the highest authority in Britain, and

the HK government will give full support for the appeal.

CPA is a HK company. We HK people will certainly offer

our support in the best interests of HK.

The

CAA's reason to reject CPA is not strong enough.

It just gives IK people the ill feeling that they are being discriminated against.

It is an international practice that trade is conducted

under the principle of reciprocity, This is an air route between HK and London. But, a HK airline is not allowed to fly it. Unless

this implies discrimination, any other reasons will not be acceptable to IK people (correct translation). If Britain's motive is to extend

its protectionism from trade to civil aviation, its policy to care

only about its own benefit is still more unacceptar le to HK people.