Dragonair Chief Executive Officer Kenny Tang welcomed the announcement in the Financial Secretary Budget speech that the government would enhance sea, air and land transport networks with the Mainland to reinforce Hong Kong's status as a regional logistics hub.

Mr. Tang noted that the decision followed HKSAR Financial Secretary Mr. John Tsang's recent visit by land to Nanning in Guangxi Province through the Friendship Gate to the Vietnamese capital of Hanoi in December.

The visit, in which Mr Tsang led a HK business delegation to increase understanding of economic conditions and the business environment in the area, coincided with the inaugural of Dragonair's daily Hanoi scheduled service.

'Dragonair is Hong Kong's premier Mainland carrier, but we also have a niche network of regional destinations, including Hanoi,' Mr Tang said. 'This network fits well with the enhanced intermodal links envisioned in Mr. Tsang's Budget speech and will be beneficial to Hong Kong and Mainland businessmen and travelers in these areas.'

Dragonair, an affiliate member of oneworld, is a Hong Kong-based airline operating a fleet of 32 passenger aircraft and one freighter serving 34 regional destinations, including 20 cities in Mainland China. Dragonair has been recognized for its product and service quality, and was voted "Best Regional Airline: SE Asia" in the annual World Airline Survey run by Skytrax in 2007/08. Dragonair is part of the Cathay Pacific Group.