DRAGONAIR WELCOMES POLI CY ADDRESS INITIATIVES

Dragonair has warmly welcomed several of the initiatives announced in the Policy Address by Chief Executive Tung Chee-Hwa today.

“As the biggest provider of flights to the mainland from Hong Kong we are particularly positive about the abolition of the quota systems for tours from the mainland, and the validity extension of multi-entry business visas,” said Stanley Hui, CEO of Dragonair.

“This, coupled with the development of new tourist attractions, will maintain Hong Kong’s long-term status as a preferred destination for mainland Chinese and overseas visitors.”

Mr Tung announced that the government had reached agreement with the China National Tourism Administration for the abolition of the quota system for the Hong Kong Group Tour Scheme with effect from January 2002.

He also said there had been agreement with the Mainland’s public security authorities for the validity period of multi-entry business visas to be extended from six months to a maximum of three years, with each duration extended to 14 days.

“The promotion of Hong Kong as a logistics hub to link the Mainland and the world and to accelerate its development, was also extremely positive,” said Mr. Hui.

“Such a move not only enhances our position as an aviation and logistics hub, but builds on the skillsets we in Hong Kong already possess,” he explained. “As does the announcement that the government will invest a maximum of $2 billion to construct a new exhibition centre at Chek Lap Kok.”

Dragonair is a Hong Kong-based airline, operating a fleet of seven A330-300s, three A321s and seven A320s, in addition to two Boeing 747 freighters. It is currently in the midst of a programme to more than double its fleet by the end of 2005. The airline’s passenger network covers 28 destinations across the Asia-Pacific region, while its cargo network connects the markets of Europe, the Middle East, Japan and China.