AAPA airline conference in Hong Kong cancelled
The annual gathering of Asia Pacific airline chiefs has been cancelled at the last minute.
The 63rd Association of Asia Pacific Airlines Assembly of Presidents was due to be held in Hong Kong on November 21-22 2019, but the ‘difficult decision’ was made to cancel, given the ongoing turmoil in the city.
It ‘reflects the unpredictability of the situation in Hong Kong’ the AAPA said in a statement.
"AAPA deeply regrets the inconvenience and disappointment caused by this change of plans. We are reaching out to all registered participants in the coming days."
There was ‘careful deliberation together with the host airline Cathay Pacific Airways’ in coming to the decision to cancel. AAPA says.
As Hong Kong’s major carrier, the months-long anti-government protests have had a major impact on Cathay.
It is paring seat capacity again for the winter season and has seen big falls in yield and loadings.
However transit traffic has remained steady and services to and from Japan hae performed well thanks to the Rugby World Cup.
The big downturn has been on services to and from the Chinese Mainland, with Hong Kong’s group tour industry reeling and hotels struggling to fill rooms, even with huge discounting.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Airbnb eyes a loyalty program but details remain under wraps
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season