| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | 30 May 2011 |
(Hong Kong, 30 May, 2011)- Cathay Pacific, its sister airline Dragonair and Swire Hotels today announced the hotel Group's participation in FLY greener, the airlines' carbon offset programme.
From 1 June 2011, Marco Polo Club members travelling on a Cathay Pacific or Dragonair flight and staying at a Swire Hotels property will be able to offset the carbon emissions from their inbound journey. This benefit will begin with The Opposite House in Beijing and The Upper House in Hong Kong.
Swire Hotels will be purchasing carbon offsets from FLY greener to help support the development of environmental projects in Mainland China that reduce carbon emissions and generate social benefits. Cathay Pacific, Dragonair, and Swire Hotels are conscious of making a positive difference to the environment and, in addition to carbon offsets, the three companies are committed to managing their environmental and sustainability impacts.
Cathay Pacific and Dragonair have been making focused efforts to lower their carbon emissions through fleet modernisation, enhanced operational measures and working with industry partners on improved air traffic infrastructure. Since 1998 they have improved the fuel efficiency of their fleet by 23.4%.
Both The Opposite House and The Upper House are committed to improving their environmental and sustainability performance. Upon arrival at the Houses, guests are welcomed to check in anywhere in the hotel with a Guest Experience team member by using a designated tablet PC or iPadR containing all guests' information and preferences for a paperless experience. At The Upper House, a unique iPod touchR is provided in each of the guest rooms and suites offering a comprehensive source for all hotel information, in-room dining, local area information, weather, news and feedback forms at the touch of a screen, replacing printed hotel directories. The hotel also uses energy-saving Lexus RX450H hybrid cars for airport transfers and private hire.
Cathay Pacific Head of Environmental Affairs Mark Watson said: "We recognise the vital contribution made by our loyal customers in supporting not only our business, but also our ongoing sustainability efforts. This new initiative makes it easier than ever for members of The Marco Polo Club to offset their carbon emissions from their trips and to help reduce their personal carbon footprints."
Brian Williams, Managing Director of Swire Hotels, said: "Swire Hotels has given great consideration to the preferences of our guests and the effect our practices have on the environment. This new drive allows both Swire Hotels and our guests to take a more active role in environmental initiatives by offsetting carbon emissions from air travel in a way that is credible, cost effective and efficient."
 | Paperless arrival and departure experience with iPad® check-in at The Opposite House and The Upper House. |
 | Sky Lounge of The Upper House, Hong Kong. |
 | The run-of-river Lankou hydropower project in China provides carbon offsets for Cathay Pacific's FLY greener programme. |
 | Cathay Pacific's FLY greener programme also supports a wind farm at Shandong Changdao, China. |
| High-resolution photos are available from the Media Centre in the About Us section of both the Cathay Pacific and Dragonair websites |
About FLY greener
Cathay Pacific and Dragonair were the first Asian airlines to introduce a carbon offset programme in 2007, offering the offsets on a no-profit basis to passengers wishing to offset their carbon emissions. By choosing to FLY greener, passengers can help play a role in reducing their CO2 emissions generated from air travel through making a voluntary contribution in cash or Asia MilesTM. The proceeds are used to support environmental projects that reduce or prevent carbon emissions. To learn more about our sustainability activities, please see our latest Sustainable Development Report.
About Swire Hotels
Swire Hotels has been created to manage intriguing urban hotels in Hong Kong, Mainland China and the United Kingdom, providing a characterful experience for travellers who seek individuality, style and personalised service.
The Opposite House, Beijing, opened in 2008 and was followed by The Upper House, above Pacific Place, Hong Kong, in October 2009.
Swire Hotels opened a 345-room lifestyle business hotel called EAST, Hong Kong in Hong Kong's Island East, on 25 January 2010. EAST, Beijing with 369 rooms, located within INDIGO in Jiangtai, will open in 2012.
Swire Hotels has launched a new collection of locally inspired and stylish hotels in the heart of great British towns and cities called Chapter Hotels. The first hotel in the collection, The Montpellier Chapter, opened on the 29th November in Cheltenham. The second Chapter hotel will open in Exeter in 2012.
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