Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd said it is considering raising ticket prices to help cover the rise in fuel costs.

The airline blamed fuel prices and government restrictions on fuel surcharges for a 633 mln hkd first-half loss, its first loss since the SARS outbreak in 2003.

Officials told the media in Hong Kong that fuel surcharge increases approved by the Civil Aviation Department in the first half of the year did not cover even half the increase in fuel costs during the period.

They said fares in all classes 'must be re-evaluated.' No details were provided on the timing or the size of a potential hike.

Cathay Pacific's fuel costs rose 83 pct year-on-year to 19.31 bln hkd in the first half.

(1 usd = 7.8 hkd)