![]() He said he felt Hong Kong's leaders have abandoned the idea of the city being an international hub at the request of "our overlords to the north" - a reference to Beijing. One pilot who flies commercial said he had been unable to see his family overseas for more than 20 months because of the quarantine restrictions and his need to stay flying to top up his depleted salary. "We fully acknowledge that these rules and the length of time they have been in force are placing a burden on our aircrew, all of whom have been exemplary in their conduct and professionalism throughout this difficult period," the company said.Īny pilot who feels unfit to fly can decline to work "without jeopardy and is legally protected," the carrier added. In a statement, Cathay Pacific said it had to abide by Hong Kong's regulations. "There will be an increased draw, given the current environment in Hong Kong versus what is perceived overseas to be an opportunity for some," he said.īut he stressed the company still planned to make "an awful lot of recruitment" next year. In a recording obtained by AFP, Cathay's director of flight operations Chris Kempis told employees this week that there was "a higher resignation rate among pilots right now". "We will review the quarantine arrangements for air crew as and when appropriate," a spokesperson said. Hong Kong's Transport and Housing Bureau did not respond to a request for comment on whether the city's business reputation was at risk. "Once airlines move infrastructure like technicians, ground crew and pilots out of Hong Kong to places like Seoul and Bangkok, trust me, they're not coming back," one pilot said. British Airways also temporarily suspended flights after some crew were placed in government isolation. Last month FedEx began relocating Hong Kong pilots to California because of the quarantine rules. Pilots fear Hong Kong's future as one of Asia's busiest transport hubs is now at risk. Many pilots kept their jobs but had to sign new contracts cutting their pay by as much as half. One pilot who flies commercial said he had been unable to see his family overseas for more than 20 months Photo: AFP / Anthony WALLACEĪs the pandemic spread, hammering global airlines, Cathay secured a bailout from Hong Kong's government. "I've had periods of staying in hotels in complete isolation for as many as 12 days," he said. One cargo pilot said he planned to resign "within the next six months" and look for employment overseas now that carriers in the Middle East and North America are hiring. The trio were later fired when Cathay said they had left their hotel rooms during their layover. Resentment built throughout the pandemic but exploded last month when more than 270 people - made up of some 120 crew plus their families - were ordered into a government quarantine camp after three pilots tested positive on return from Germany. The pilots AFP interviewed said the quarantine rules have taken a profound mental toll both on crew and families.įor much of the pandemic Hong Kong has restricted inbound travel Photo: AFP / Bertha WANG
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