Advertisement

Cathay Pacific set to rebrand Dragonair as ‘Cathay Dragon’ in bid to strengthen corporate identity

The idea to strengthen the sister airline’s association with the premium airline has been under discussion for a few months

Reading Time:2 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
A file photo of Dragonair cabin crew recruitment day at Dragonair House, Tung Chung on September 13, 2013. Photo: Edward Wong, SCMP

Cathay Pacific group is likely to announce a rebranding of its Dragonair subsidiary as “Cathay Dragon” as the company seeks to strengthen its corporate identity.

The idea to strengthen the sister airline’s association with the premium airline Cathay Pacific Airways has been under discussion for a few months, sources familiar with the matter told the South China Morning Post.

Cathay’s manager of corporate communications, Carolyn Leung, declined to comment on whether the company had any rebranding plans for Dragonair.

Advertisement

“Following the successful launch of Cathay Pacific’s new brand ethos and refreshed corporate identity, we have been reviewing Dragonair’s overall brand proposition. We will provide more information as appropriate.”

READ MORE: Cathay Pacific scales back 2016 expansion plans, blames cockpit crew dispute

The move would put an end to the Dragonair name which was founded by textile magnate Chao Kuang Piu in 1985. The airline was acquired by Cathay in 2006 following a major shareholding realignment involving Cathay’s parent Swire Pacific and the Air China Group. Dragonair, which has continued to operate as a separate airline within the group with its own visual identity featuring a red dragon, mainly flies to mainland China and elsewhere in Asia. Its fares are cheaper than Cathay. Sixty per cent of its passengers hold Hong Kong or mainland Chinese passports according to the company.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Select Voice
Choose your listening speed
Get through articles 2x faster
1.25x
250 WPM
Slow
Average
Fast
1.25x