note

Hong Kong Dragon Airline Ltd. is scheduled passenger airline based in Hong Kong and operating domestic and international flights throughout region. Dragonair was founded by Kuang-Piu Chao. Since 2006 Dragonair is owned by Swire Group Ltd., the parent company in Cathay Pacific. Dragonair commenced operations in July 1985 on scheduled route from Hong Kong to Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia using Boeing 737-200 aircraft. In 1990 Swire Group purchased a controlling interest in Dragonair. The long-time foes Cathay Pacific and Dragonair have become sister companies. Economic development in mainland China fueled Dragonair's growth. Airline operated Lockheed Tristars transferred from Cathay Pacific on its trunk China mainland routes. Beginning May 1993, Dragonair underwent massive fleet renewal when its first Airbus A320 arrived, followed by wide-body Airbus A330s in July 1995. In 2000 Dragonair ventured into all Cargo business. Fleet of Boeing 747-400s and Airbus A300s freighters were leased and Cargo flights as far as Europe and Middle East. Dragonair planned long-haul expansion of its passenger service to USA and Australia. This alarmed Cathay Pacific and in September 2006, Dragonair became subsidiary of Cathay Pacific. This resulted in its Cargo operations being transferred to Cathay Pacific and all long-haul plans had to be canceled. Airline is member of IATA and affiliate member of OneWorld airline alliance. Dragonair holds its own AOC and employs cca 2,500 people. Airline's bulk of business in on routes to secondary cities in mainland China and Taiwan. Dhaka, Bangalore, Kathmandu, Hanoi, Phuket, Kota Kinabalu, Pusan and Manila are served on its International network. Rebranding announced as CATHAY DRAGON with new colour scheme Jan 2016 and combined website with Cathay Pacific from Apr 2017.
Stopped operation from Oct 21, 2020. All its fleets will be transferred to Cathay Pacific and Hong Kong Express.

founded - demised (age)

May 1985 - October 21 2020  (35)

headquarters

, Hong Kong

web

www.dragonair.com	On or before Mar 2017
www.cathaypacific.com	Combined website from Apr 2017

base airports

VHHX Kai Tak International Hong Kong	former hub
VHHH International (Chek Lap Kok) Hong Kong	Base

related operators

Cathay Pacific	parent
Oneworld	member