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Cathay cuts flights to Asian destinations

HONG KONG: Hong Kong's main carrier Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd said on Monday it had cut 47 flights a week to eight destinations in Asia from mid-April due to weak demand.

Other airlines in the region have cut flights in recent days as the spread of a deadly pneumonia virus and the war in Iraq have deterred potential travellers.

Hong Kong has been at the centre of the outbreak of the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and the virus has infected more than 1,500 people globally and killed 59, including 13 in the territory.

Cathay said the cuts represent a four percent reduction in passenger capacity and would remain in place until May 31.

"These are temporary measures made in response to softening demand. We will continue to monitor the market and make adjustments as necessary," said Augustus Tang, Cathay's director for corporate planning.

Cathay said it will cut around 47 flights a week, with Taipei, Manila, Kuala Lumpur and Tokyo the hardest hit destinations.

Cathay's smaller rival Dragonair, 43-percent owned by Beijing backed China National Aviation Corp, said on Monday it had cut one more flight in addition to 10 flights scrapped last week as tour groups cancelled bookings.

The carrier also warned that its 2003 profit would likely come in 15 percent below expectations. -Reuters