Cathay Pacific says it is active discussions about an acquisition involving local rivals Hong Kong Express, part of the HNA Group of airlines.
Australia's competition watchdog and Virgin Australia have argued a proposed codeshare agreement between Cathay Pacific and Qantas would lead to a lessening of competition on Australia-Hong Kong routes.
Virgin Australia chief executive John Borghetti has questioned plans from Cathay Pacific and Qantas to expand a codeshare agreement to include each other's flights from the key markets of Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney to Hong Kong.
Qantas has sought to reassure regulators its proposed codeshare with Cathay Pacific would not harm competition and instead offer travellers more choice for travel between Australia and Asia.
Virgin Australia says it has significant concerns with a proposed codeshare deal between Cathay Pacific and Qantas on Australia-Hong Kong routes.
Qantas has sought regulatory approval for Cathay Pacific to codeshare on its flights between Australia and Hong Kong.
