I feel I must respond to the letter from Cathay Pacific headlined, 'Cathay Pacific's regular fares are competitive' (South China Morning Post, April 5).
The reason fare levels out of Hong Kong are more expensive is, according to my travel agent, because Cathay controls the price in Hong Kong.
Last year I travelled business class on Cathay, Manila-Hong Kong-London return, for $20,000, whereas the same ticket on the same flight bought in Hong Kong without the Manila legs was approximately $37,000. This had nothing to do with exchange rates, but more to do with a monopolistic situation in Hong Kong. Also, direct flights are not more expensive due to convenience. They are more expensive because passengers are prepared to pay more for the convenience.
The real reason for the price of tickets out of Hong Kong is, I believe, because of the affluence of Hong Kong residents and the airline trying to maximise this.
However I object to paying more for my ticket, because I have more money and I have no choice. I am sure Li Ka-shing would object to paying more than me for his ticket because he is richer than me, and I would support him on that.
Anyone should be allowed to maximise their profits, but come on Cathay, don't insult our intelligence with the 'spin' you wish to put on it.