27-05-2025
- 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'.
