Flight risk: first, Cathay Pacific’s rude cabin crew, now its pilots. Why are staff at Hong Kong’s flag carrier so unhappy?
- City’s embattled carrier grappling with disgruntled staff as it claws its way back from pandemic
- Recent cases of service quality and slow taxiing by pilots shine spotlight on low morale
Two years ago, he and his family downgraded from the affluent neighbourhood to a 650 sq ft flat in Tung Chung, near Hong Kong airport, forking out rent of HK$20,000 per month.
Like all Cathay Pacific pilots, he had his salary cut by 40 per cent two years ago and now up to 30 per cent of his income is variable, pegged to his actual flying hours.
“Bills had to come down. We do not eat out as much. Now we cook at home and invite friends over,” said Jones, who like all pilots the Post spoke to, declined to be identified.
Life in the city was getting more expensive, he said, and he and his homemaker wife just had a baby last year.
“We are looking at a HK$140,000 tuition fee a year for when my daughter starts at an international school. The HK$100,000 education allowance I am entitled to when she turns three is just not enough with my decreased income,” the 40-year-old said.
Until a few years ago, Cathay’s pilots were among the best paid in the industry and the envy of many peers while the airline’s brand bestowed prestige to staff based in the city.
