The 2006 shareholder realignment aimed at strengthening ties between the key players in Hong Kong and Mainland China’s aviation sectors. Air China and CNAC increased their aggregate shareholding in Cathay Pacific Airways, while Cathay Pacific increased its shareholding in Air China. The absorption of Dragonair gave the Cathay Pacific Group greater access to China’s rapidly expanding aviation market, while the increased Mainland shareholding in Cathay cemented the airline’s strategic partnership with Air China and strengthened its position as Hong Kong’s flag carrier.