Slosar interview -Flight global.

[SMOC]

Airline Business Interview - John Slosar, Chief executive - Cathay Pacific

Cathay confronts possible 'structural change' in cargo business

Cathay eyes new European and North American points with A350-900

A decision on whether Cathay will order the 747-8I or Airbus A380 could be made in 2013, but the airline is more than happy to make the Boeing 777-300ER the backbone of its long-haul fleet. This suits Cathay’s strategy of offering premium passengers the “flexibility and frequency” of multiple departures on a daily basis to a wide range of destinations.

Boeing’s potential 777-300ER replacement remains an option if it is a step up from the A350-1000 and Slosar is also leaving the door open for the Boeing 787-10 as a replacement for its Airbus A330s on regional routes. Two engines are clearly better than four for Cathay, which is content to see the two airframers battle for its orders.

[Tornado Ali]

We are losing the battle for First Class, as 380 operators are showing the way forward with the new luxury suites. We will become a second tier player if we don't step up and buy some large a/c. The 777 feels like a warmed over 737...