Cathay Pacific looks to build CEI services - Sep 01

By Mark Armsden HONG KONG Flag carrier Cathay Pacific is looking to significantly strengthen its conferences, exhibitions and incentives (CEI) service levels. Oneworld partners British Airways and Qantas, which operate extensively in Asia Pacific, already have dedicated CEI departments in their home ports. Recently British Airways chaired a meeting in London between alliance airlines to discuss improving service standards for CEI customers. British Airways sales manager specialist markets Mr James Bell said the airlines agreed they wanted to "create a seamless process for customers" regardless of which airline they fly. Cathay Pacific global sales manager - alliance sales & regions department Mr Simon Miles said the airline had launched a project that may overhaul the way it deals with CEI clients. "We are investigating setting up a dedicated department to handle CEI sales," Mr Miles said. The research is being co-ordinated by Cathay Pacific head office in Hong Kong with input from sales teams in destinations the airline flies to. "This is a very important market sector and we can do more to service it," Mr Miles added. "We would like to see our share of delegates coming into Hong Kong increase," he said.