Cathay to gradually increase capacity; expects one-third of pre-pandemic passenger recovery

Cathay Pacific is planning to reach one-third of its pre-pandemic passenger capacity by the end of this year, the airline said. Cathay Pacific carried 253,907 passengers last month, an increase of 87.6% compared to August 2021 but a 91.3% decrease compared to the pre-pandemic level in August 2019. Last week, the Hong Kong authorities eased certain pandemic-imposed restrictions giving the aviation industry much-needed relief. Immediately the airline released a statement saying it would gradually increase flying capacity in the coming months. Prior to the lifting of quarantine measures, Cathay had expected to reach 25% of pre-pandemic capacity by year-end. In August