Airline History - Dragonair

IATA Code: KA

ICAO Code: HDA

Known As: Dragonair

Full Name: Hong Kong Dragon Airlines Ltd.

Country: China

Hubs: Hong Kong

Callsign: Dragon

Web Site: www.dragonair.com

History: Dragonair was established in May 1985 as Hong Kong Dragon Airlines. Operations began in July 1985 with B737 service from Kai Tak International Airport to Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia. The airline officially changed its name to Dragonair in 1986, although its Chinese name remained Hong Kong Dragon Airlines, and was granted rights to operate to eight cities in mainland China and a regular service to Phuket. In 1987, the airline began charter flights to mainland China. In January 1990, Cathay Pacific acquired a 35% share, while CITIC acquired a 38% share of Dragonair. In 1993, A320 aircraft joined the fleet, followed by Airbus A330s in 1995. A further redistribution of shares took place in April 1996, when China National Aviation Corporation (CNAC) purchased 35.86% of Dragonair and became the largest shareholder. The stake was further increased when CNAC was listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on 17 December 1997. In 1998, Dragonair became the last airline to have a plane landing at Kai Tak International Airport. In 2006, Cathay Pacific acquired Dragonair, however Dragonair will retain its separate brand until 2007.