Cathay has long been a staple of East Asia travel because of its higher quality, premium experience. Unfortunately for Hong Kong’s flag carrier, this has not helped it stay competitive, as growing outbound Chinese travel has boosted other carriers, especially domestic Chinese airlines and budget carriers. Cathay is has been called “analysts’ least favorite airline.” That hasn’t stopped Qatar Airways from buying a 9.6 percent, $662 million, stake in Cathay in hopes of entering the China air market.
