'Greater Bay Airlines Eyes Cathay Dragon Routes'

The mainland tycoon behind Greater Bay Airlines said on Thursday that he will fight for the routes previously flown by Cathay Dragon, if an application for a licence to operate in Hong Kong is approved.

But Bill Wong from East Pacific Group told RTHK that he has not set a target for the number of routes he wants to obtain. He added that if the licence is approved, the airline will consider hiring former Cathay Dragon employees.

Cathay Pacific has said it wants to operate the majority of Cathay Dragon’s routes, along with its budget carrier Hong Kong Express, though it will have to seek approval from the regulator. Cathay Dragon ceased operation on Wednesday as part of the group’s restructuring plan.

The government has said different airlines are welcome to apply for the traffic rights.

Wong said he expects that five planes could be put into service next year, with this later increased to about 30 in 2025.

Reports say Greater Bay Airlines aims to operate flights to mainland China, Southeast Asia and Northeast Asia.