Hoping to end ‘political storm’ related to Hong Kong protests, pro-democracy legislator Jeremy Tam resigns from Cathay Pacific Airways
- Former pilot was still on staff at the airline, despite stopping regular flights upon his election to legislature in 2016
- Pro-establishment figures had used the link to pressure the carrier
Pro-democracy legislator Jeremy Tam Man-ho resigned from Cathay Pacific Airways on Tuesday, the former pilot saying the move could put an end to the “political storm” that has enveloped the airline.
Tam’s resignation came after the carrier faced pressure from Beijing over its workers’ involvement in the anti-government protests that have rocked the city for months.
The turmoil and scrutiny have now led to the departures of four pilots, two airport staff, CEO Rupert Hogg and his deputy Paul Loo Kar-pui. That includes a pilot who, during an in-flight announcement, made remarks believed to be sympathetic to the protests. Cathay Pacific on Tuesday he had left the company.
On August 9, the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) barred Cathay Pacific aircrew who had joined or supported the protests from operating flights to mainland China, or flying through its airspace, among other measures. Hogg and Loo resigned on August 16 to take responsibility for the recent events.
Tam, 44, revealed his resignation online on Tuesday, saying it brought an end to his 18-year Cathay career.