Dragonair expanding fleet and network, increases focus on premium product and mainland market

Dragonair announced (22-Feb-2012) plans to add six more aircraft and extend its network in mainland China and Asia in response to growing air traffic demand in the region. Dragonair CEO Patrick Yeung stated mainland China has always been and will continue to be Dragonair's core market. "We see considerable potential for growth in secondary Mainland cities in particular," he said. The airline will also speed up product upgrades, including new aircraft seat, in-flight entertainment equipment and broadband connectivity, as part of efforts to enhance its premium product. The carrier said it saw "good demand" in its premium cabins in 2011, while growth was slower in economy class. The additional six aircraft, four A320s and two A330s, will enter the fleet this year, expanding the size of the Dragonair fleet from 32 to 38. The carrier will resume services to Guilin, Xian and Taichung by 2Q2012 and is looking into the possibility of adding two to three more new destinations in Mainland China and within the region later in the year. More details will be announced in due course. In light of its expansion plans, Dragonair will look at strengthening its workforce in 2012. The airline is targeting recruitment of about 450 cabin crew, 40 First Officers and 35 cadet pilots during the year. [more - original PR]

Dragonair: "Our forward-looking plans for 2012 in terms of fleet expansion, network growth and product development will put Dragonair in a good position to grasp the opportunities in Mainland China and the region and enable us to continue to offer the best quality products and services to our passengers...Looking ahead, we expect 2012 to be a challenging year due to the uncertainty in the global economy, while inflation and fuel prices will push up our operating costs. As we announce our expansion plans we remain cautiously optimistic about the prospects for the year. We remain committed to offering premium products and services to our passengers and will continue to explore the potential in the market," Patrick Yeung, CEO. Source: Company statement, 22-Feb-2012.