FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - Third runway at Hong Kong International Airport ‘going to be needed’ - Cathay Pacific
Old Jun 1, 2011 | 9:20 pm
  #11  
Connecta
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Programs: CX DM, SG Krisfl, MH Enrich, Hyatt GP Diam, Priority Club Plat, Marriott SL, HHonors, SPG, AClub
Posts: 289
Originally Posted by midlevels
While I'd hardly consider myself in the 'green camp', to be fair, the courts ruled that the environmental impact analysis was inadequate so one can hardly fault the lady for bringing government incompetence into the limelight.

Had the government done the analysis adequately, the lady would have had no case. But the government messed up and now they have to bear the consequences.
Absolutely - fully agree! Just wanted to point out that it probably won't be that easy to get a third runway approved, especially with experience now that they have to do much more than just something superficial to tick the boxes in their project plans.

However, I don't think that CX's purchase/investment commitments will be decisive. If they have invested too much without considering potential constraints, then it's just a bad business decision like for any other company (which I don't claim for CX).

The very best argument for expansion (tried and tested in other countries like Germany with strong Green parties, etc.) will be significant contribution to sustained economic growth, which includes creating many jobs. This is something to go in line with 'public policy' - although more difficult if other sectors are booming already and job market is already hot (-> inflation).
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