Hong Kong’s flag carrier Cathay Pacific stated it will be hiring up to 4000 staff by 2023 as part of its recovery plan. In an interview with the Post, CEO of Cathay Pacific Augustus Tang Kin Win said a total of 8000 workers will be hired to anticipate the city’s recovery towards the end of the year 2023.
In an interview with the Post on 15th June, Cathay Pacific’s CEO outlined the recruitment plan as part of the city’s recovery from Covid-19, also two years after the company’s major restructuring to shred off overseas and local staff. Tang stated that 700 pilots and 2000 cabin crew will be hired by 2023 with an addition of 4000 staff to join the company as airport frontline staff and customer service workers. A total of 8000 staff would be joining Cathay Pacific Group from now to the end of 2023. The number includes airport workers for subsidiaries such as Cathay Pacific Services Limited, Cathay Pacific Catering Services, and Hong Kong Airport Services Limited. Jobs from the catering sector to aircraft handling as well as aircraft maintenance will be offered.
“This is our commitment to Hong Kong and making sure that the Hong Kong aviation hub will be ready and will be competitive and remain a key aviation hub in the world.”-Tang, in response Hong Kong’s Cheif Executive Carrie Lam’s claim that Hong Kong is losing its edge as an aviation hub.
Hong Kong has had the tightest border restrictions alongside mainland China since 2019. Travelers entering Hong Kong are still required to be quarantined for 7 days in a designated hotel. Compared to the rest of the Asian cities, the Chairman of Cathay Pacific Patrick Healy commented that Hong Kong is “falling behind” as most cities are progressively lifting entry requirements. However, Cathay remains positive that the recent relaxation of quarantine restrictions would help the airline reduce its cash burn rate.
“We are at a different pace. Hong Kong is opening up and we are very much encouraged by the recent adjustment by the Hong Kong Government, in terms of travel restrictions and crew quarantines.”-Tang.
With the airline seemingly hopeful for the city’s recovery, Hong Kong currently has no official schedule to lift quarantine and border restrictions. Recently, numerous major airports around the world had experienced extensive delays due to ground staff shortages, do you think Cathay Pacific had made the right call to recruit before Hong Kong officially opens up? Let us know below. You can also follow our Instagram for the latest updates on aviation news worldwide!!
