As government officials acknowledge, the worsening air pollution in Hong Kong is due mainly to motor vehicles.

CNN: From Our Correspondent: Getting Back On Track

In August, Hactl, which handles about 80% of air cargo from Hong Kong, posted its fourth consecutive month of decline in volume.

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Cyberport is almost completely full, and there is a certain confidence in the air of being called a Hong Kong technology professional.

FORBES: Why Hong Kong Is China's New Tech Hub

Mr Dixon said on Sunday that Singapore Airlines would make a good partner, but added that so would other carriers such as British Airways, Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific and Air New Zealand.

BBC: NEWS | Business | Qantas 'likely to merge by 2015'

On Friday, Barclays Capital analysts in Hong Kong led by Jian Chang said that while optimism is definitely in the air, cooler heads should prevail on this one.

FORBES: Barclays Urges Caution On China

Spanish airline Iberia and Hong Kong's Cathay have reported losses, while others such as British Airways and Air France-KLM have seen profits fall sharply.

BBC: Business travellers boost Virgin