The Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce
24th March 1980.
The Right Hon. John Nott, M.P., Secretary of State for Trade, c/o Department of Trade,
No.1, Victoria Street, LONDON, S.W.1.
Dear Mr. Nott,
I am writing to you in my personal capacity as Deputy Chairman of a major British company located in Hong Kong and as the present Chairman of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce to express my serious concern at the recent decision by the British Aviation Authority to award the British Caledonian Airline the right to establish a regular route between Hong Kong and London and to reject the claim by Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd. for a similar route. You will be well aware, of course, of the background to this particular matter and I need not, therefore, set out the details. It is worthy of note however that the bid by Cathay Pacific Airways was very strongly supported by the Hong Kong authorities and with popular support from the people of Hong Kong, expressed. in many different ways individually and through local organisations.
to none.
There can also be no argument with the statement that CPA's record of service as an airline company based in Hong Kong and serving a wide international network of destinations is second The company has earned a very high reputation for safety and efficiency and in recent years has undoubtedly become Hong Kong's national airline insofar as the views of Hong Kong people are con- cerned. I would also draw your attention to the fact that Cathay Pacific's 747's are all Rolls Royce powered, thereby helping the British aero-engine industry. I believe the DC.10's to be used by British Caledonian have a very small British content, besides being an aircraft which is less popular with the travelling public.
SWIRE HOUSE 9TH FLOOR HONG KONG P.O.BOX852 TEL:5-237177 | ::52131 TLX:8352/TRIND FIX CABLE:CHAMBERCOM
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