Cathay Pacific announced on Friday the resignation of its managing director, Rupert Hogg, after the Hong Kong airline was called to order by Beijing. China has criticized the company's staff for showing their support for pro-democracy demonstrations.
Two resignations
Rupert Hogg resigned, "assuming responsibility, as the company's executive, for recent events," Cathay said in a statement. The managing director has been replaced by Augustus Tang, a figure in the Hong Kong-based Swire Group, the largest shareholder in Cathay. Another Cathay executive, Paul Loo, director of customer and commercial affairs, also announced his departure on the grounds of Rupert Hogg, the statement said.
Last week, Cathay Pacific angered Chinese nationalists after some of its 27,000 employees participated in pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong or expressed their support for the ten-week movement.
Four members sacked
Cathay's leaders hastened to reassure Beijing by distancing themselves from the pro-democracy mobilization, pledging Monday to sack any employee supporting or participating in the "illegal demonstrations" taking place at the airport.
The General Directorate of Chinese Civil Aviation had demanded a week ago from Cathay the names of personnel on board its flights to China, or who cross its airspace, indicating that those supporting the pro-democracy movement would not be allowed on these flights. Cathay Pacific has fired four staff members including two pilots.