Cathay Pacific takes aim at Air Canada Discussions with a budget airline reveal focus on lucrative, long-haul passenger routes.

(From South China Morning Post)

Byline: aviation John Gray in Toronto

With a jealous eye on the growing number of travellers between Canada and Hong Kong, Cathay Pacific Airways has started talks with Canada's thriving discount airline, WestJet Airlines, about a possible alliance.

Analysts agree that by entering into the talks with WestJet, Cathay Pacific is taking direct aim at Air Canada, the faltering national airline that has turned to its Asian routes for the prosperity that has eluded it at home.

Air Canada president Robert Milton has made no secret of his belief that his airline's hopes of success lie increasingly in long-haul routes, especially those to Asia.

Philippe Lacamp, who became head of Cathay Pacific operations in Canada three weeks ago, revealed the talks between the two airlines in a Canadian newspaper …