We had arrived in Stockholm on time with Qatar Airways, and quickly passed through immigration before we proceeded to the departure gate. We only had 90 minutes in transit, so we had a quick snack to eat, and then boarding was about to begin.
In recent years Cathay Pacific has followed the tradition of giving their staff a full months’ salary as a year-end bonus, but this year the bonus has been limited to ‘one months salary, or 30.000 HKD, whichever is less.’
Cathay and Dragonair
Cathay Pacific has a total number of employees of about 27.000 people, and this announcement will affect a majority of them.
The trend from September is continuing in October as well. Whereas September saw a decrease in passenger numbers of 12.7% and a drop on traffic numbers of 3.5% October looks even worse for Hong Kong International Airport.
A bit late update for me this month, but a couple of weeks ago Cathay released their traffic numbers for October 2019, and for the third straight month there was a decrease in both flights and passengers compared to the year before. Most significant is the 35% decrease in inbound passengers for Hong Kong, although this was partially offset by a increase in transit passengers.
As i wrote about yesterday, Hong Kong Airlines has been given until Saturday to save the airline. In reference to the condition, Hong Kong Airlines has issued the following press release:
Air Transport Licensing Authority attaches new licence conditions to Hong Kong Airlines Limited
Hong Kong Airlines A359
The following press release was just issued by the Air Transport Licensing Authority:
    In the light of the ongoing financial problems of Hong Kong Airlines Limited (HKA), ATLA has been closely monitoring the financial situation of the airline over a long period of time in accordance with Regulation 15D(1) of the Air Transport (Licensing of Air Services) Regulations (Cap. 448 Subsidiary Legislation A), and has repeatedly asked HKA to submit financial improvement plans. Since December 2018, ATLA has issued six press releases to inform the public of the financial problems of HKA and the follow-up work of ATLA.
    ATLA met the senior management members of HKA again on November 29, 2019, and heard the representation and explanations made by them about the latest financial position of HKA. Having considered the latest financial position of HKA, ATLA was of the view that HKA’s financial position has deteriorated rapidly to such an extent that has severely impacted on HKA’s capability in meeting its obligations as an employer to pay salary and the probability of providing a satisfactory service under its licence in respect of continuity and regularity of operation. ATLA found the situation extremely worrying. After careful deliberation, ATLA decided today (December 2) to attach new conditions to HKA’s licence as per Regulation 15E (2)(b) of the Regulations that HKA should enhance its financial situation to such a level as already required by ATLA over a period of time.Â
    A spokesman for ATLA said, “After careful consideration of the financial position of HKA at present, ATLA must take immediate and resolute action to prevent further deterioration of HKA’s situation in order to protect public interests. In accordance with the two new licence conditions attached by ATLA, HKA must, by a deadline set, ensure cash injection at a level determined by ATLA (or provide an alternative to the satisfaction of ATLA), and raise and maintain its cash and cash equivalent level as stipulated by ATLA.”Â
    If HKA fails to improve its financial situation as required by ATLA by the deadline, ATLA will take further action under Regulation 15E of the Regulations, which provides for revocation or suspension of licence. ATLA would announce its decision by December 7, 2019.
Starting November 19 2019, Cebu Pacific are starting direct flights from Hong Kong to the most beautiful island in the Philippines, Palawan. The flight will be flying to the biggest city on the island group, called Puerto Princesa.
