Latest news with #CathayPacific
South China Morning Post
6 days ago
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific says no plans to introduce single-pilot flights
Hong Kong's flag carrier Cathay Pacific Airways has confirmed it has no plans to introduce single-pilot operations in the cockpit but admitted it had engaged with aircraft manufacturers regarding enhanced automation, which could lead to reduced crew operations in the future. The airline made its position clear to the Post after the Hong Kong Aircrew Officers Association (HKAOA), the airline's pilot union, urged the city's regulators, airlines and the public to reject single-pilot operations. The union's call follows an investigative report into a Lufthansa passenger plane that flew without a pilot in charge for 10 minutes. Airbus has been actively promoting single-pilot operations on commercial aircraft, spearheading the development of related cruise capabilities for its A350 Freighter (A350F). The aircraft are scheduled for delivery to airlines, including Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific, by 2027. The French company argued that automation and modern technology could replace the role of a second pilot on long-haul flights. The initiative, however, has met with strong resistance from pilot associations worldwide. In a statement released last week, the union said it 'unequivocally opposes Cathay Pacific's pursuit of single-pilot and reduced-crew operations'.
The Star
23-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Can Hong Kong's Cathay compete against rivals dishing out hefty bonuses?
Hong Kong flag carrier Cathay Pacific Airways may find itself in a weaker position in the race for global talent, an analyst has said, after two of the airline's major rivals dished out heftier bonuses for at least two straight years. Singapore Airlines (SIA) offered employees a profit-sharing bonus equivalent to 7.45 months' pay after reporting a record net profit of S$2.78 billion (US$2.15 billion) for 2024-25, surpassing analysts' expectations. The amount is slightly lower than the 7.94 months' bonus it dished out last year, despite a 3.9 per cent increase in SIA's net profit. Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge, our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team. Dubai-based airline Emirates' employees are also in line for a windfall after its group announced last week a record-breaking pre-tax profit of US$6.2 billion for the 2024-25 financial year, with staff set to receive a 22-week bonus payout. Emirates, the most profitable airline in the world over the reporting period, has committed big bonuses to its ever-growing workforce for three years running. It awarded a 20-week bonus to employees in 2024 and a 24-week one in 2023. By comparison, Cathay Group's net profit rose 1 per cent year on year to HK$9.9 billion (US$1.28 billion) in 2024, up from HK$9.78 billion in 2023, which was the first time it recorded a profit in four years. The company had accumulated a string of large deficits totalling HK$34 billion over three years when the Covid-19 pandemic crippled the travel industry. The group previously announced an average salary increase of 3.8 per cent for its employees this year, matching the raise in 2024. It would be topped with a 6.2-week profit-sharing bonus for employees, compared with 7.2 weeks last year. SIA remains one of the best-paying airlines for cabin crew in Asia, as it aims to continue attracting the best global talent to stay ahead of other competitors, including regional ones such as Cathay Pacific, Malaysia Airlines and Thai Airways. According to online reports, the carrier's flight attendants reportedly earn a monthly salary of between S$2,000 and S$5,000, depending on their experience, type of aircraft they work on, seniority and flying hours. Employees rostered on long-haul flights to Australia, Europe and the United States can earn as much as S$75,000 in a year. By comparison, Emirates flight attendants earn a tax-free monthly average salary of US$4,110, which includes their basic salary and flight allowances, but excludes additional housing allowances that can go up to US$13,600 a year. At Cathay Pacific, new hires of cabin crew are paid a starting salary of HK$9,400 per month, which may increase to as high as HK$20,000 after taking into account additional flying hours. Foreign flight attendants may also receive a housing allowance of up to HK$7,000 per month. Before its return to profitability, Cathay shed a record 5,900 jobs in Hong Kong and axed its regional airline Cathay Dragon in a HK$2.2 billion restructuring plan in October 2020. Remaining aircrew and pilots were offered cost-cutting contracts that slashed pay by over 40 per cent, while housing and retirement benefits for pilots were also reduced. The Post contacted the carrier for comment, but it did not reply by the time of publication. Jason Li Hanming, a US-based aviation analyst, said he would not be surprised if a number of Cathay crew members quit their jobs for other, more profitable airlines that paid better and offered more lucrative bonuses. 'I do expect there will be employees leaving Cathay in the coming months, especially when Singapore Airlines and Emirates are also looking for people willing to work [for them],' he said. But Li added that Cathay had an attraction over the others in that its crew could get permanent residency in Hong Kong after seven years of employment. He said that unlike the other two airlines, which were backed by their governments, Cathay was a private company that had to be prudent in spending so it could build up more cash for other investments and facility upgrades to stay competitive among premium carriers. SIA is majority-owned by Singapore's government investment and holding company Temasek Holdings, while Emirates is wholly owned by the government of Dubai. Li also stressed that the airline needed to work much harder to repay the government for the bailout that allowed Cathay to ride out the Covid-19 pandemic, and make up for lost time as the carrier's competitors had recovered more quickly after opening up from travel lockdowns a year sooner. '[Cathay will] have to rebuild all the things necessary for them to compete in the international market,' he said. 'For example, if you don't have the facilities for passengers such as new aircraft, and refreshed cabins and lounges, especially for the wealthy ones, then you cannot sell your business class ... This will be a downward spiral.' A Cathay flight attendant, who asked to remain anonymous, said her unhappiness with the company was less about the relatively smaller bonuses than the drastic cut in salaries in previous years. 'Most of the cabin crew are earning less than HK$10,000 in basic salary. The bonus means nothing to them after calculating the deep cut in their pay,' she said. More from South China Morning Post: For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2025.
South China Morning Post
23-05-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Can Hong Kong's Cathay compete against rivals dishing out hefty bonuses?
Hong Kong flag carrier Cathay Pacific Airways may find itself in a weaker position in the race for global talent, an analyst has said, after two of the airline's major rivals dished out heftier bonuses for at least two straight years. Singapore Airlines (SIA) offered employees a profit-sharing bonus equivalent to 7.45 months' pay after reporting a record net profit of S$2.78 billion (US$2.15 billion) for 2024-25, surpassing analysts' expectations. The amount is slightly lower than the 7.94 months' bonus it dished out last year, despite a 3.9 per cent increase in SIA's net profit. Dubai-based airline Emirates' employees are also in line for a windfall after its group announced last week a record-breaking pre-tax profit of US$6.2 billion for the 2024-25 financial year, with staff set to receive a 22-week bonus payout. Emirates, the most profitable airline in the world over the reporting period, has committed big bonuses to its ever-growing workforce for three years running. It awarded a 20-week bonus to employees in 2024 and a 24-week one in 2023. By comparison, Cathay Group's net profit rose 1 per cent year on year to HK$9.9 billion (US$1.28 billion) in 2024, up from HK$9.78 billion in 2023, which was the first time it recorded a profit in four years. The company had accumulated a string of large deficits totalling HK$34 billion over three years when the Covid-19 pandemic crippled the travel industry.
National Post
22-05-2025
- National Post
Flying 12 hours in business class — an honest review of the $6000 experience
Article content Cathay Pacific dining Article content Article content The Duddell's abalone certainly lived up to the hype, and is arguably one of the best items I've enjoyed in the sky on any flight. Louise's sea bass was decent, however, a tad bland, and not quite to par with what I've come to know and love from the restaurant itself (which I highly recommend on a visit to Hong Kong). Regardless, it was still an elevated choice considering – and I would get it again, but maybe add a little salt. Cheese, Häagen-Dazs ice cream or fresh fruit followed, for some simple but solid dessert options (although the ice cream was very frozen – beware!). Article content Article content Article content Where the menu truly stood out was on the all-day options, which could be requested at any time during the flight. Noodles (a popular choice) and a burger with fries are on the docket, both of which were excellent. Key detail: the fries were delicious and not soggy. Article content For those looking to indulge in a drink, the cocktail and wine lists were extensive, edging out Canadian competitors. The Chateau Lynch-Bages from Pauillac is a tried and true choice, but for those feeling experimental, Chinese wine – not readily available in North America – is available. On the non-alcoholic front, the Hong Kong-style milk tea appeared to be a popular choice with those on my flight. Article content Article content Cathay Pacific sleep Article content Following dinner and some work, it was time to get some shut-eye. Cathay provides a hotel-style pillow, 400-thread count cotton duvet and perhaps the most important details for a high-quality snooze — a mattress pad and eye mask. Combined with the Bamford pillow spray, I got in a full eight hours with zero interruption. The sleep was so solid, in fact, I nearly dozed through breakfast. Article content I'm glad I didn't, though, as the pre-landing meal was also impressive. In-flight breakfasts are usually nothing to write home about, however, there were a few nice touches here, like warmed cherry tomatoes, a shockingly decent croissant with butter and jam and – small detail – a tea bag dish (oversteeped tea is a no-no). Congee, a traditional rice porridge found in South and East Asia, was also available and looked delicious. Guests were invited to make a chocolate selection from a box, a nice touch before landing.
Vancouver Sun
22-05-2025
- Business
- Vancouver Sun
Flying 12 hours in business class — an honest review of the $6000 experience
I recently flew 12 hours from Hong Kong to Vancouver on Cathay Pacific in Business Class . Let me preface this review by saying: any time you get to lie flat on a long-haul flight, it's a luxury. The lounges, service and in-air food are what truly set apart a memorable experience, especially for a frequent flyer. With a steep $6,000 price tag to go from HKG to YVR (or vice-versa), you're probably wondering: is it worth it ? I was, too, as it had been a few years since I'd been on a Cathay flight. I memorably flew with them for the first time in 2006, and was so blown away, I still have a paper dinner menu from that flight. Interest around international travel is up this year, as more and more Canadians opt to skip the U.S. The Hong Kong Tourism Board shared that Canadians' intent to travel to Hong Kong this year has increased by a whopping 30 per cent. The Asian metropolis has always been one of my favourite cities around the globe: a unique history, fabulous food and shopping, and a vibrant nightlife have kept me returning over the years. Plan your next getaway with Travel Time, featuring travel deals, destinations and gear. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Travel Time will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Read on for everything you need to know about Cathay Pacific's Business Class experience. My 2025 experience kicked off with a visit to the Cathay Pacific lounges – yes, there are multiple — at HKG. As their hometown airport, expectations are high – and certainly didn't disappoint compared to what we might be used to at YVR (our limited offerings include the rather un-premium Plaza Premium lounge, the fairly decent Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge, as well as a smaller Cathay Pacific one, to name a few). My favourite HKG Cathay option was The Pier Business Class Lounge, which includes the airline's first-ever tea room with blends by Jing , as well as the iconic noodle bar. Both were excellent options, and a special shoutout goes to the baristas working the coffee cart: after several excursions to HKG over the years, I'm convinced this is the only quality latte at the entire airport (avoid this airport's Blue Bottle at all costs, which I typically love). Relaxation rooms, shower suites and work stations are also available here. Upon boarding, the lead flight attendant came over to introduce herself, give me a tour of the pod and offer a beverage: the non-alcoholic Cathay Delight, made of coconut milk, kiwi juice and fresh mint is always a win – but the Laurent-Perrier brut is also nice for some bubbly. Initially, I was a bit disappointed I didn't have one of the new Aria suites – currently only available on the London to Hong Kong route and expected to roll out on the Vancouver planes later this year – but the overall experience quickly made up for that. Despite the pod appearing a bit dated, I appreciated the amount of storage space. If you like to keep several items handy – for me, it's a laptop , AirPods , chargers , vitamins and skincare – you won't be fussed. As a frequent flier, I always look forward to a long-haul flight amenity kit. Cathay partnered with British-based Bamford, offering mini-sized versions of the brand's cooling gel , multi-purpose balm and pillow mist , leaning into a wellness theme. Initially, I wanted to see products from a more well-known luxury brand – but the products were quality and completely elevated the overnight experience. The leather case was a nice touch, too, and easy to reuse as a makeup bag or for smaller toiletries. In-flight service began with an always-appreciated hot towel, warm nuts and a pretty swanky meal service for being 30,000 feet above the ground. Among the many options, I opted for an appetizer and main that are tied to two well-known Hong Kong Michelin star restaurants: the chilled abalone and cucumber with black vinegar from Duddell's and the pan-seared Chilean sea bass with saffron sauce from Louise , which is my all-time favourite restaurant in Hong Kong. The Duddell's abalone certainly lived up to the hype, and is arguably one of the best items I've enjoyed in the sky on any flight. Louise's sea bass was decent, however, a tad bland, and not quite to par with what I've come to know and love from the restaurant itself (which I highly recommend on a visit to Hong Kong). Regardless, it was still an elevated choice considering – and I would get it again, but maybe add a little salt. Cheese, Häagen-Dazs ice cream or fresh fruit followed, for some simple but solid dessert options (although the ice cream was very frozen – beware!). Dining has a leisurely vibe in-air on Cathay Pacific, which is ideal for someone who wants to immerse themselves in the entire multi-course experience. For those looking to get in a full night's sleep or get some work done, however, be mindful of the time to get dishes cleared. I'm a fast eater, so I opted to use the call button to speed up the process. Where the menu truly stood out was on the all-day options, which could be requested at any time during the flight. Noodles (a popular choice) and a burger with fries are on the docket, both of which were excellent. Key detail: the fries were delicious and not soggy. For those looking to indulge in a drink, the cocktail and wine lists were extensive, edging out Canadian competitors. The Chateau Lynch-Bages from Pauillac is a tried and true choice, but for those feeling experimental, Chinese wine – not readily available in North America – is available. On the non-alcoholic front, the Hong Kong-style milk tea appeared to be a popular choice with those on my flight. Wi-Fi on the flight was solid, at least for the time I was using it. For the movie watchers, Cathay's entertainment system offered a comprehensive cross-section of choice; however, the screen was a bit slow to react to my selection, something I assume will be updated in the new Aria suites. I opted to go with some relaxing music, which was a nice alternative. Following dinner and some work, it was time to get some shut-eye. Cathay provides a hotel-style pillow, 400-thread count cotton duvet and perhaps the most important details for a high-quality snooze — a mattress pad and eye mask. Combined with the Bamford pillow spray , I got in a full eight hours with zero interruption. The sleep was so solid, in fact, I nearly dozed through breakfast. I'm glad I didn't, though, as the pre-landing meal was also impressive. In-flight breakfasts are usually nothing to write home about, however, there were a few nice touches here, like warmed cherry tomatoes, a shockingly decent croissant with butter and jam and – small detail – a tea bag dish (oversteeped tea is a no-no). Congee, a traditional rice porridge found in South and East Asia, was also available and looked delicious. Guests were invited to make a chocolate selection from a box, a nice touch before landing. After 12 hours in the air, it was time to land in my hometown of Vancouver. Overall, I was rested and relaxed, which is the top marker of success on any long-haul business class flight. Despite some marginal room for improvement — which I believe will be corrected with the new Aria suites — Cathay proved they offer a solid and competitive product in the aviation space. The experience is worth it — but not at full price. My suggestion is to keep a flexible travel schedule and use Google flights to set alerts about price drops or leverage the points and miles within the Oneworld alliance system to fly free. Beyond that, stay tuned for the Aria suites to launch on the Vancouver route later this year to get the most value out of your flight. Hoping to score a great deal on your next hotel? Check out for exclusive savings on over one million hotels worldwide. Sign up for free here . Shopping Essentials , a category written by research-obsessed shopping fanatics, is now on Canoe . 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