HK Union Warns Cathay Pacific Can't Handle Surge In Demand

Hong Kong’s flagship airline Cathay Pacific is facing “unprecedented” staff shortages and may not be ready to handle a surge in demand, as the city winds up its strict COVID policy and reopens for international travel, Michelle Toh and Wayne Chang reported for CNN Business.

Photo Insert: In recent weeks, Cathay has said it will add hundreds of new flight services in response to the relaxation of border controls.

A top local union warned Thursday of “a record number of resignations from the company’s most experienced pilots,” claiming that Cathay “has lost over 40% of its captains and first officers.”

In a statement, the Hong Kong Aircrew Officers Association (HKAOA) said that the carrier was “unprepared to regain its industry leadership position, threatening the status of Hong Kong as a global aviation hub.”

The group cited a breakdown in negotiations on pay, among other working conditions. Hong Kong’s flagship airline is “facing unprecedented staffing and training shortages,” and “stands unprepared to fully resume its operations, failing to meet demand in a resurgent travel market,” the HKAOA said.

Like most airlines, Cathay has been pummeled during the pandemic. Once known as a premier employer, the carrier last year grappled with falling morale, a spike in resignations and mounting frustration as staff underwent Hong Kong’s arduous quarantine measures, which were some of the world’s strictest.

But, this month Hong Kong ended its two and a half years of quarantine measures, leading to a surge in demand for outbound travel. The news brought some much-needed relief to Cathay, which was forced to slash capacity to as little as 2% of pre-pandemic levels during the global health crisis.

In recent weeks, Cathay has said it will add hundreds of new flight services in response to the relaxation of border controls.

It even set up a virtual “waiting room” for its booking website as customers flooded its platform to buy tickets. Now, the company is finding itself on the defense once again as pilots warn of continued workplace issues.

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