Cathay Pacific to lower fuel surcharges next month

Cathay Pacific on Tuesday said it would lower its fuel surcharges on most flights starting next month.

In a statement, the city's flagship carrier said that for flights between Hong Kong and the Southwest Pacific, North America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, the fee will drop from HK$1,362 to HK$1,164.

On routes to and from the South Asian subcontinent, the surcharge will be reduced from HK$633 to HK$541 while short-haul services will see a cut from HK$339 to HK$290.

Meanwhile, charges for the mainland remain unchanged at HK$165 for Hong Kong departures and 135 yuan for flights originating on the mainland.

In explaining the adjustment, the airline company pointed out that jet fuel – derived from refining crude oil – is subject to both crude oil and refinery component costs.

The costs for both elements have climbed significantly since early March and continue to hover at elevated levels.

To stay responsive to these volatile market conditions, largely driven by the ongoing Middle East situation, Cathay Pacific will review its fuel surcharges every two weeks.

The airline stressed, however, that this accelerated review cycle is intended as a temporary measure and will be revisited once the Middle East situation improves.

Edited by Tony Sabine ...