Cathay and Dragonair seek fare hike

The Philippines' airline regulator will hear on September 26 a petition by Hong Kong airline firms, Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd and Dragon Airlines Ltd, to increase passenger fares.

The Civil Aeronautics Board will listen to both airlines argue their case for an increase in the fuel surcharge. If approved, the hike will lead to an increase in passenger fares.

Their petitions filed September 4 reveal that Cathay Pacific and Dragonair intend to impose an 8.7% increase in fuel charges to US$135.50 from the current US$124.70 for flights between Hong Kong and South West Pacific, North America, Europe, Middle East and Asian Sub-Continent, including same-day transit in Bangkok and Singapore.

Both airlines are also seeking an 11% increase in surcharge to US$31.20 from US$28.10 beyond those routes.

Cathay Pacific flies the Hong Kong-Manila route 37 times a week and seven times between Hong Kong and Cebu City. Dragonair has daily flights between Clark Freeport and Hong Kong and services the Manila-Hong Kong route seven times a week.