Two Cathay Pacific pilots involved in a dispute in which one allegedly punched the other during an argument about racial discrimination have been grounded pending an internal investigation.
Police allege South African Peter Horrell, 30, punched Australian Robert Tracey, 36, in the Dakota Bar in the Cathay City complex near Chek Lap Kok at about 3am yesterday.
A club manager called police, who arrested Horrell; later releasing him on $2,000 bail and ordering him to report to police on June 18.
A police spokeswoman said the alleged assault was believed to have been triggered by an argument over racial discrimination. No charges have been laid.
The police spokeswoman said Mr Tracey was left with bleeding lips and a loose tooth, The spokeswoman added that Mr Tracey was taken to Princess Margaret Hospital in Kwai Chung but later discharged himself.
Cathay's director of corporate development, Tony Tyler, said the airline had suspended the two second officers from flying while an internal disciplinary investigation was under way. He said this was not punishment but in order to give investigators access to the pilots.
