Cathay Pacific Fires Three Pilots and Charters Aircraft from China to Fill Gap

As a 'work to rule' campaign by its pilots continued into a third day, Cathay Pacific Airways, a Hong-Kong based carrier, fired three pilots
The dismissals were 'related to the particular actions of particular individuals' and were not in response to the ongoing industrial action, the airline stated.

Cathay Pacific air charter pilots have been requested by the union to strictly follow company regulations by checking in only one hour and 20 minutes before the scheduled take-off time and to meticulously go over pre-flight procedures, according to the Hong Kong Aircrew Officers Association.

This has caused flight delays because pilots normally arrive half an hour earlier than required to ensure prompt takeoff, the union said.

According to The Associated Press, the union has warned that the action may be escalated if necessary. Business and private charter flights are too important to our market for this type of interruption.

In related news, charter crewmembers and 10 aircraft from Air China will fill the gap. Cathay Pacific, as a precaution against further flight disruptions, has chartered China Northwest Airlines, China Northern Airlines, China Southwest Airlines and China Eastern Airlines.