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Cathay Pacific's freight head has faith in new Cargo Services System

A TOP priority for Cathay Pacific will be the launch of its Cargo Services System (CSS) in July 2016 as it will become the "nuts and bolts of the whole operation," meaning it has to work well, according to the airline's new director of cargo, Simon Large, who was appointed in June.

In an interview published in a Cathay Pacific magazine, Mr Large said: "Another priority is to think 10 years ahead about what the next generation of aircraft should be. We will also be evaluating our network and looking at the role of Air Hong Kong in our business."

It was stated in the magazine that air cargo will go through "ups and downs but will remain integral to many supply chains, while Hong Kong will retain its importance as a cargo hub," reported Air Cargo News.

Mr Large's key message to the air freight team was that cargo "will remain essential to the profitability of the airline."

He said: "There are a lot of issues right now. The business is in a difficult state and there are concerns about the Chinese economy, the global economy and questions about Hong Kong's capacity constraints."

The airline in 2016 will have 21 freighters, almost entirely Boeing 747-8 freighters and extended range freighters (ERFs).

"So there are new aeroplanes and lots of space to fill, plus a new cargo terminal in Hong Kong ... plenty to keep us occupied," added Mr Large.

Mr Large's predecessor James Woodrow has become a managing director at a shipping company owned by Cathay's parent group, Swire.