China News Service, February 27 (Xinhua) According to Hong Kong's "Dian News" report, the Hong Kong Airline Cabin Crew Association, composed of Cathay Pacific pilots, recently issued a statement stating that Cathay Pacific pilots are still in short supply, with a shortage of more than 1,300 people so far, and it is expected to take three years to recover. .
Cathay Pacific responded to media inquiries on the 26th and stated that the relevant statements were incorrect. It stated that Cathay Pacific had enough pilots, cabin crew and other operational staff to support current flight operations. It also stated that Cathay Pacific Group’s capacity had returned to pre-epidemic levels at the end of last year. 70% level.
Cathay Pacific stated that its comprehensive talent recruitment plan is progressing smoothly. Many employees who have left Cathay Pacific in the past few years have applied to rejoin, including 260 pilots who have worked for Cathay Pacific Group, of which nearly 70 are captains.
Cathay Pacific mentioned that it has been working hard to ensure that employee remuneration packages remain competitive in the market, including the payment of special gratuities and bonuses. Eligible Hong Kong employees will receive an average salary increase of 3.8% from January 1 this year, and it is also expected that they will receive a salary increase of 3.8% in April. New Profit Sharing Plan Earn Point Bonuses.
Cathay Pacific stated that it has improved its pilot remuneration package to increase the certainty of pilot remuneration. Salaries are calculated based on the higher of scheduled flight hours and actual flights. From January this year, a schedule change allowance will be added.
Cathay Pacific Airways continued to cancel flights late last year due to a shortage of pilots, disrupting the travel plans of many passengers.
Cathay Pacific's director of aviation operations, James Kam, said on the 26th that after learning from previous experiences and lessons, a new and better Cathay Pacific will be built. In addition to providing special flight allowances to pilots during the holidays, it will also recruit mainland trainee pilots.
He said that since 2023, nearly 870 applications from mainlanders have been received, and more than 40 of them are currently participating in the trainee pilot training program.