Cathay Pacific names Dubai as regional hub for Middle East operations

Cathay Pacific has announced that Dubai will become the airline’s regional hub for all passenger and cargo operations across the Middle East.

The move is part of the Hong Kong-based carrier’s “renewed focus”, which includes a change in management, the airline said in a statement.

Cathay Pacific said it has appointed Jonathan Ng as country manager – Middle East, effective September 1. Ng previously held the position of country manager of Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

The airline also said Nikhil Kilpady would take on the position of regional sales and marketing manager – Middle East, having recently served the airline in the UAE and Oman.

Cathay Pacific operates two flights daily from Dubai to Hong Kong, and one daily service from Bahrain to Hong Kong, as well as a daily flight between Dubai and Bahrain.

The airline ceased its service to the Saudi capital of Riyadh in March this year. Previously, it also offered services to Doha, Jeddah and Abu Dhabi.

This year, the airline reported its first annual loss since the 2008 global financial crisis, citing mounting competition from mainland Chinese carriers.

The company, which had some 33,700 employees globally as of March, was forced to cut around 600 jobs from its head office.

Cathay Pacific said the latest changes were in line with its global vision to make the airline more competitive by improving the speed and quality of decision-making and putting a greater focus on customers.

The airline remained committed to its Middle Eastern markets, the statement said.