No need for Hong Kong to reject Boeing aircraft deliveries, experts say

There is no need for Hong Kong to follow the central government in rejecting aircraft deliveries from Boeing amid the US-China trade war, analysts have said, arguing such a move would only hurt the city’s aviation hub status and local airlines’ expansion plans.

Beijing ordered mainland Chinese airlines not to accept deliveries of up to 50 aircraft from the United States aerospace giant, Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg said last week.

While the move raised concerns that Hong Kong’s carriers could follow suit, experts said on Friday that it would be unnecessary for the city to adopt such an approach.

Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific Airways is expected to receive its 21 ordered Boeing 777-9 aircraft in 2027 or later.

Ronald Lam Siu-por, CEO of the city’s flag carrier, declined to comment on Friday about the company’s Boeing delivery plans.

In recent years, the airline has taken a greater interest in aircraft made by European aerospace corporation Airbus.