Cathay Pacific plans to give away free economy-class tickets to its staff across Asia after being badly affected by Hong Kong protests

Offer will cover 70 destinations and will start on Sunday, lasting until March 28, 2020

Airline’s internal newsletter says the offer is a recognition of its staff ‘pulling through during the challenging period’

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Cathay Pacific’s employees already enjoy travel perks which include paying as low as 10 per cent of the airfare. Photo: Edward Wong

Published: 6:18pm, 25 Oct 2019Updated: 11:44pm, 25 Oct 2019

Cathay Pacific is to give its staff free economy-class tickets across Asia throughout the winter as the carrier finds it increasingly difficult to sell seats amid the ongoing protests in Hong Kong.

The offers may make Cathay’s flights look busier, but it will not help the airline recover from a steep loss in revenue caused by more than 20 weeks of civil unrest. Hong Kong’s flagship airline faces earning less money in the second half of 2019 than the first.

An internal newsletter released by the airline on Friday said: “In recognition of so many of you pulling through during the challenging period we are facing, this represents a meaningful saving on your leisure travel, and makes that well-earned break a real possibility.”

The airline’s people director Tom Owen also told staff: “With this special promotion, I hope we have found a meaningful way to thank you all for your continuing commitment, professionalism and support.”

Cathay’s sweetener, offered to roughly 27,000 employees, came after months of acrimony over the company’s handling of sackings and will start on Sunday. It will last until March 28, 2020, and include travel by the airline’s staff and its nominated travel companions across Asia and the Middle East.