Cathay Pacific Airways is further promoting trade and business connections between Hong Kong and Europe by honoring three leading British companies for their achievements and dynamism in developing Hong Kong and Chinese mainland trade in the first British Cathay Pacific Awards.

According to a press release from the company, Cathay Pacific Chief Executive Philip Chen made presentations to Rolls-Royce, Scientific Generics/SGAI Tech and Arup at a ceremony attended by leading British business figures on Thursday in London.

"Cathay Pacific has for more than 25 years forged connections between Hong Kong and Europe to strengthen Hong Kong's position as the gateway to the Chinese mainland and build linkages to the Pearl River Delta," Chen said.

Chen added "Cathay Pacific is committed to enhancing these connections through building strong air bridges between Europe and the Chinese mainland via our home base.

The Cathay Pacific Awards in Britain, honoring three British businesses for their achievements and dynamism in Hong Kong and Chinese mainland trade, further underline our commitment to continue to serve, promote and grow with Hong Kong."

Cathay Pacific operated its first flight between Hong Kong and London on July 16, 1980 and now offers more flights between Hong Kong and Europe than any other carriers, including 39 weekly passenger and freighter services to Britain. The airline has

recently been named "Airline of the Year 2006" by Air Transport World magazine.

Source: Xinhua