INB O X F ORUM
CATHAY TO BUY INTO THE COMPETITION? POS T TOMIN SCO T L A ND Cathay have confirmed an interest in acquiring a stake in Hong Kong Airlines and HK Express from HNA Group. Over the years, Cathay has consistently sought to reduce local competition – by opposing low-cost carrier access and other tactics. This would seem to be another example. Is this good for Hong Kong travellers or, indeed, those wishing to visit?
C WO ODW AR D
Tom raises an interesting question to which I find it diff icult to answer either yes or no. The airline industry is an ultra-competitive environment and yes, I believe that Cathay must seek to protect its commercial interests and dominant position in the Hong Kong market as other airlines have done in their markets for years – British Airways being a prime and ruthless example. Given that non-state-owned airlines must seek the best possible long-term returns for their investors, then the discussion as to whether or not this activity is in the best interests of the travelling public becomes, perhaps unfortunately, largely irrelevant as the travelling public cannot influence the situation. Therefore, this type of activity may or may not result in a better deal for Joe Public.
TR A V EL S FOR FUN
On the contrary, I think it is very simple. Is it in the interests of Cathay Pacific to reinforce its dominance of Hong Kong and eliminate a sizeable competitor – of course, yes. Is it in the interests of the travelling public – almost certainly not. Hong Kong is already one of the most protected markets amongst hubs in the region and Cathay is able to take full advantage of its resulting pricing power.
bus ine s s tr a v el ler .c om
Can the travelling public influence the situation? Not directly, but that’s what eff ective competition regulation is for. Hong Kong’s record in siding with the consumer over Cathay Pacific is not great, but let’s hope they properly scrutinise this – and are prepared to block it if necessary.
C ANU CKL AD
On the other hand, I get the distinct impression that Cathay Pacific and its continuing success is a thorn in the backside of Beijing. The South China Morning Post appears to have had its teeth pulled by its Beijing dentist. Consequently, when the opportunity arises it will undermine the airline and, more importantly, the Swire Group. Long term I’d rather see a strong, profitable and independent business that can withstand a Beijing-inspired takeover by say… China Southern.
BEST APPS FOR: NAVIGATING AROUND YOUR DESTINATION POS T IA NF ROMHKG I thought it might be helpful to have us share information about our favourite apps for particular (travel-related) purposes. Often when we travel to a new place, we need to navigate at ground level, be it by limo, taxi, bus, train or good old Shanks’s Pony. Here are a few of the apps I use. LIMO: Blacklane – seems to work all
over the world, and is reliable. Price is all-inclusive (no need to tip). The only problem we have had was when Junior Offspring was flying recently from Rennes to Southend, and the flight was delayed. However, it all worked out – they cancelled the original booking and sent the driver on his way but substituted a new booking with no extra charge. Having said that, Blacklane are expensive. BUS/TRAIN/WALK: Google Maps, of course. However, I also like
Citymapper which gives masses more information – right down to which carriage of a train to be in to be nearest to your exit.
S WI S S DIV ER
I am an Uber user. One single account around the world; one monthly report, allowing me to pass it on to my company in one single transaction; no foreign language issues. I write in English, the driver gets it in his own language. I can choose the level of service I want, and I can track the ride. So far, haven’t found anything better.
L U G ANOP IR A TE
Maps.me is also very good and probably better than Google in many respects. Another app I use is Polaris, which runs off GPS so does not need wifi, but you have to download maps in advance. It’s also great in the air seeing where you are, speed and height, etc.
TOM W JS IMPS ON
Agree with regards to
Maps.me. Particularly useful is the ability to download maps for areas if you know that you will be restricted in terms of data. “Maps” are updated fairly often and more often than not are accurate for opening times. I also find it useful for locating ATM machines and other facilities.
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