Pilot Union Voices Strong Opposition

The Hong Kong Aircrew Officers Association (HKAOA) is fuming over recent pay increases awarded to Cathay Pacific executives, arguing that such raises come at a time when the airline is grappling with severe staff shortages, soaring ticket prices, and a noticeable decline in service quality.

Profits vs. Staff Struggles

Despite boasting nearly HK$10 billion in profits, frontline workers—including pilots, cabin crew, and various staff members—are still reeling from the consequences of pay cuts and unaddressed unfavorable changes to their contracts that occurred during the pandemic.

Stunning Executive Pay Increases

In its recently released 2024 annual report, Cathay Pacific disclosed that its CEO, Ronald Lam, earned a staggering HK$14.15 million—a hefty 35% increase from the previous year's remuneration of HK$10.46 million. The chief operations and service delivery officer, Alexander McGowan, saw an astonishing 77% bump in his salary, bringing his total to HK$8.18 million from HK$4.63 million in 2023.

Union Demands Action

The HKAOA emphasized that the stark contrast between executive pay and the challenges faced by frontline staff cannot be overlooked. They attributed the airline's inflated ticket prices directly to its staffing shortages and are demanding immediate actions to rectify the staffing crisis, including the reinstatement of core provisions from pre-Covid contracts.

A Silver Lining for Hong Kong International Airport

In more positive news, Hong Kong International Airport has been recognized as the sixth best airport globally. The city’s immigration services also clinched the title for the best in the world, marking Hong Kong's impressive rise from 11th place last year.

Celebrating Excellence in Service

This accolade, received by Director of Immigration Benson Kwok at an awards ceremony in Madrid, highlights the efficiency and quality of immigration services, putting Hong Kong ahead of other contenders such as Singapore Changi and Taiwan Taoyuan.

Skytrax's ranking, based on surveys from over 13 million travelers around the globe, further cements Hong Kong's standing as a premier travel hub despite ongoing challenges within its flagship airline.