Originally Posted by
Reply1984
I will say your point about HNA doesn't make sense to me. HNA has sold their assets these years, and the buyers of their subsidiaries include some local governments. It doesn't seem to be a big problem for Cathay to buy it.
But It triggers my thought when you talked about 'Central and Southern bureau'. I will say it is more like a harassment from the airline based in Guangzhou. Membership of OW for CZ can be a reason for this harassment, but it seems that CX has already vetoed it and CZ finally finds an opportunity for their revenge. Please keep in mind that CZ says that they will not consider joining any alliance for now.
And yes I will say I don't see any further harassment from CAAC, but it is not because of CZ. The warning from CAAC came in the early August, when the central government took a tougher line on HK protesters. At that time, the national TV and newspaper of China fully unleashed their propaganda and broadcast the videos of PLA and riot police everyday, threatening sending tanks to streets in Hong Kong. Cathay Pacific is one of the victims in this period.
But from the late August, the central government changed their strategy and had to soften their stance since the so-called 'Foreign Forces' really stepped in. A further harassment for Cathay is not consistent their current strategy.
By the way, I have read your remarks on one Chinese aviation forum recently lol
Well, thank you for your suggestions and opinions. I think you could be right about CAAC and CZ. I will continue to monitor the situation and see what happens next.
But regarding HNA, the situation is very different and political. HNA still controls HKA and HKEX through shell companies when HKEX was sold. Even today, HNA is still suffering through HKA's clipped wings.
Cathay's purchase of HKEX may displeasure several levels. I can not post here nor the Chinese aviation forums as some of my speculation may deemed too political. Let us say, CITIC and HNA stands for different power plays. Cathay's rescue of HKEX is not what one side of the power wanted. However, again, that is speculation only, please don't take it seriously. What I will say, however, is that HNA's sale of local subsidiaries to various SOEs and local governments is fundamentally different from HKEX. How different? Let us just say one is approved from the top domestically and they are necessary to both seller and buyers. CX's case? You can judge on your own.