HONG KONG -- A series of flight cancellations around the end of last year by Cathay Pacific Airways has highlighted a serious staff shortage caused by overly reducing pilots and crews during the COVID pandemic. The cancellations have cast a shadow over the airline's reputation as a premium operator on the eve of the Lunar New Year travel season.
"This incident has negatively impacted on our brand reputation and the confidence that Hong Kong people and our customers have in Cathay," said CEO Ronald Lam in an internal letter addressed to all employees on Wednesday, openly acknowledging the damage from the cancellations. He admitted this was a "setback," as the airline had "underestimated the need for reserve pilots to cover the increased sick rates during Hong Kong's seasonal flu peak."
