Ivan Chu, Chief Executive, Cathay Pacific Airways

In 2015 major global airlines posted profits of US$35.3 billion. Lower oil prices are expected to result in a further 12% year-on-year rise in profits in 2016, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). IATA predicts continued airline passenger growth of 6.2% globally, although growth is expected to accelerate in the Asia-Pacific region from 6% in 2015 to 8.4% in 2016 as new aircraft are delivered to accommodate growth in the major emerging markets, particularly India, Indonesia and China. According to IATA, profits for airlines in the Asia-Pacific region are expected to grow from US$5.8 billion in 2015 to US$6.6 billion in 2016. However, overall profits per passenger for 2016 are forecast at US$5.13, well below the levels of both the US and Europe. According to IATA, although the Chinese economy has slowed, air travel remains strong but the region will feel the impact from continued weakness in cargo revenues.

At this exclusive Premium Event lunch, guests will be able to hear the inside views on the outlook for the regional and global airline industry from the chief executive of one of Asia's most recognised and successful airlines. Among other subjects, he will address the following:

‧  Major industry trends

‧  Opportunities and challenges in Asia Pacific

‧  Factors contributing to the success of an aviation hub

Ivan Chu has been the Chief Executive of Cathay Pacific since March 2014. He is concurrently Chairman of Hong Kong Dragon Airlines Limited and a Director of John Swire & Sons (HK) Limited and Swire Pacific Limited. He joined Cathay Pacific in 1984 and has worked with the Group in Hong Kong, mainland China, Taiwan, Thailand and Australia. Prior to taking up his current position he was the airline's Chief Operating Officer. Chu is also the Chairman of the oneworld Governing Board and a member of the Board of Governors of the International Air Transport Association (IATA). He serves as the Chairman of the Board of Airline Representatives Hong Kong and a member of the HKSAR Government Aviation Development and Three-runway System Advisory Committee.