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Lam has already shed his tie
July 26th 2019
Cathay Pacific insider named CEO of newly-acquired HK Express. Read More »
Cathay Pacific has followed most full-service airlines by appointing a trusted insider to run a sister low-cost airline as part of a dual brand strategy. Cathay intends to keep HK Express (HKE) as a separate LCC and not blend it in, like Cathay Dragon, or have a full amalgamation.
The lieutenant from Cathay is Ronald Lam. He was director commercial and cargo before his appointment to HKE. He oversaw passenger and cargo revenue. Generally speaking, LCC CEOs are known for their personalities and their ability to set the tone of their carriers. Lam had already shed his tie at Cathay. Like most Cathay executives, his official company photo shows him tieless and relaxed.
A HKE insider of several years standing told Orient Aviation that in his first meeting with Lam this week he had been impressed. “He is very logical, meticulous and detail-oriented.”
Cathay’s successful acquisition of HKE was announced close to midnight a week ago. Observers are interested to see if Cathay can run a low-cost business. Cathay itself is progressing through a three-year restructuring.
On the first business day after the transaction closed, HKE announced it would discontinue its loyalty programme in favour of Cathay’s. HKE’s holiday division also is expected to be wound up. Some HKE managers have been made redundant, including staff in network and operations.
Cathay has not yet announced a new business plan for HKE, a development that will be closely watched by the industry.
