Air Transport Licensing Authority: Jetstar Hong Kong application for licence refused

Hong Kong Air Transport Licensing Authority announced (25-Jun-2015) the decision of the public inquiry to consider the application by Jetstar Hong Kong Airways Limited (JHK) to operate scheduled air services. JHK's application was objected to by Cathay Pacific Airways, Hong Kong Dragon Airlines, Hong Kong Airlines and Hong Kong Express Airways and a public inquiry was held on 23/24-Jan-2015 and 14-Feb-2015. Having considered all relevant information including submissions and evidence JHK and the objectors presented at the public inquiry, the Authority decided that "JHK did not comply with Article 134(2) of the Basic Law in having its principal place of business in Hong Kong and that JHK's application be refused." The decision of the Authority will also be published in the Gazette on 03-Jul-2015. Qantas Airways, China Eastern and local partner Shun Tak Holdings each own a third of the USD198 million venture. Under Hong Kong's Basic Law, airlines operating out of Hong Kong are required to have their "principal place of business" in the city. In a 150-page ruling, the five-member panel said "Jetstar Hong Kong cannot make its decisions independently from that of the two foreign shareholders". [more - original PR] [more - original PR - II] [more - original PR - III]