Cathay Pacific passes cost onto passengers

In March, 2005, Cathay Pacific reported its second-highest profit ever. With 2004 profit jumping more than threefold to HK$4.42 billion (US$567 million), from HK$1.30 billion (US$167 million) in 2003.
Now, Cathay Pacific and Hong Kong Dragon Airlines have obtained government approval to increase fuel surcharges on passenger fares. From June 2005, Cathay Pacific is charging $HK250 (US$42.22) per ticket on long-haul flights, up from its current $HK118.
Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong Dragonair, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Air China, also increase their surcharges on short-haul flights to HK$86 from HK$42.
Other airlines using Hong Kong International Airport will also hike up surcharges, including Singapore Airlines, Air Canada and Northwest Airlines.