Former Cathay Pacific stalwart, Derek Morris, has joined China Southern Airlines as its Sydney-based sales and marketing manager to help drive its development in the local market.
The carrier said Morris will “spread the message” about China Southern and be instrumental in introducing the Canton Route from Australia to the UK via Guangzhou.
Regional manager Australia/New Zealand Henry He said Morris’s contacts in the aviation industry and his knowledge of the Asian markets after 27 years with Cathay will be critical for its growth.
“Not only is Derek one of the most respected aviation executives in the region, his long and distinguished service at such a senior level with Cathy has given him important insights into Asian thinking and doing business,” he said.
“Derek’s role will be to spread the message even further that China Southern wants to shake up air travel not just to Europe and the Americas but also to Asia and to China itself as it emerges as an increasingly important destination for leisure and corporate travellers wanting more affordable travel.”
Morris, who quit Cathay in October (Travel Today, October 6), will take up the role on Wednesday.
Morris said: “It seems absolutely clear to me that being based in old Canton and closer to Australia than the other mainland airlines, China Southern feels a natural affinity with Australia and New Zealand that is giving its drive into these markets extra focus and energy.”
