Cuts will not affect Cathay Pacific’s aviation safety and services, says chief executive
Cockpit and cabin crew are expected to be spared the axe as Hong Kong airline aims to cut 30 per cent in management staff costs
The chief executive of Hong Kong carrier Cathay Pacific Airways has pledged that aviation safety and services will not be compromised as the airline aims to cut 30 per cent in management staff costs in a bid to revive its ailing business.
While admitting that some layoffs will be “unavoidable” in what he described as the airline’s biggest restructuring in 20 years, Ivan Chu Kwok-leung said those who have performed well would be retained.
Cockpit and cabin crew are expected to be spared the axe, with Chu saying the airline will in fact recruit more of such employees as it explores new destinations and increases frequencies of flights on popular routes.
“We definitely will not cut any costs that concern aviation safety and customer services. In fact, we have plans to improve our in-flight food and beverage services, especially for the business class,” Chu said in a Metro Broadcast radio programme yesterday.
“We will be increasing the flight frequencies on many routes. That is very important for our competitiveness.”
Chu did not make clear how many management employees would be laid off, and how many would see smaller pay cheques.