Coronavirus: Cathay Pacific tells aircrew quarantine could start in two weeks, as airline industry chiefs urge rethink over damage it could do

Airline says it has been unable to complete roster after February 11 as it waits for government to decide on when 14-day quarantine rule begins

International Air Transport Association expresses grave concern over measure, warning it could reduce flights carrying critical supplies

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Cathay aircrew will have to quarantine for 14 days once the new rules come in. Photo: Winson Wong

Published: 11:20pm, 27 Jan 2021Updated: 9:33am, 28 Jan 2021

Airline industry chiefs have urged the Hong Kong government to rethink its plans to quarantine aircrew for 14 days, as Cathay Pacific Airways told staff the rule could start after February 11.

In a brief memo to employees on Wednesday night, Chris Kempis, the airline’s director of flight operations, said Cathay was waiting for confirmation on when the new measures would take effect.

“Rest assured we will update you with the full details as soon as we are able to,” Kempis said. “This is also the reason why we have not been able to produce a roster beyond February 11.”

While officials have yet to announce finalised plans, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) expressed grave concern over the damage the measure could inflict.

This gives me confidence that we will get through this exceptionally difficult part in our history

Chris Kempis, Cathay director of flight operations

The association called for the government to treat Hong Kong-based aircrew as essential workers and make them a “top priority” for Covid-19 vaccinations.