Cathay Pacific will bounce back, new CEO tells staff, as he makes compliance with mainland China’s aviation regulator top priority after turmoil over Hong Kong protests

Augustus Tang says need to comply with rules stipulated by the Civil Aviation Administration of China go to very foundations of company’s right to exist

Swire veteran also issues a rallying cry to employees but acknowledges the turmoil facing airline

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Augustus Tang had been seen as a favourite for the top job at Cathay Pacific before being moved to Haeco in 2008. Photo: David Wong

Published: 10:48pm, 19 Aug 2019Updated: 10:59pm, 19 Aug 2019

The new CEO of trouble-plagued Cathay Pacific Group has vowed that the company will bounce back, as he set out three priorities on his first day in the job, including complying with all demands from mainland China’s aviation regulator.

Augustus Tang Kin-wing, 60, who also called for unity among staff on Monday, said the need to comply with rules stipulated by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) went to the very foundations of the company’s right to exist.

“We must and will ensure 100 per cent compliance with [CAAC demands] and all directives. Quite simply, this is our licence to operate,” Tang said in his first memo to staff as boss.

Cathay Pacific was targeted by Beijing for what was seen as its failure to rein in employees taking part in anti-government protests gripping the city over the past 10 weeks.

The airline was targeted by Beijing for what was seen as its failure to rein in employees taking part in protests. Photo: Reuters

At a meeting in Beijing last Monday, the CAAC ordered Merlin Swire, chairman of main shareholder Swire Pacific, to make management changes at the airline, sources told the Post, in a move seen as punishment for the company’s inaction.

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