Cathay Pacific Airways on Friday said its passenger flight capacity is expected to be restored to around 80 percent of its pre-pandemic level in the second quarter, with the goal of a full recovery by the first quarter of next year.
During a bus tour recruitment campaign, Cathay’s Director People Patricia Hwang expressed confidence in the group's robust employee retention rate, which is at “an ideal level”.
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The airline grew its workforce by 3,000 people last year and will further expand its employee size by around 5,000 people in 2024, including pilots, flight attendants, and many other non-frontline positions, according to the company’s statement.
In January, Cathay Pacific called off a string of flights following sudden cancellations during the Christmas and New Year holiday peak season
Hong Kong’s flag carrier has been dealing with concerns over insufficient manpower. In January, Cathay Pacific called off a string of flights following sudden cancellations during the Christmas and New Year holiday peak season.
Hwang said the airline currently has about 2,900 pilots and needs 500 more to support its growth, emphasizing that the supply of pilots is perfectly adequate to support its rebuilding.
She added that Cathay Pacific, as a Hong Kong-based company, will prioritize local talent, and is also working to recruit trainees and experienced pilots in other regions.
The “Cathay Recruitment Roadshow” kicked off on Friday and will run through next Tuesday.
From April 19-21, a double-decker bus is traveling to Causeway Bay, Central, Tsuen Wan, Tuen Mun, and Tung Chung, on which candidates will take part in on-site interviews and mini-games. On April 22-23, on-site interviews and career talks will be arranged at the headquarters of Cathay Pacific.
READ MORE: Cathay Pacific aims to further boost HK-mainland travel ties
Since August last year, Cathay has been recruiting cabin crew, trainee pilots, and customer service staff in the Chinese mainland.
The progress is “in line with expectations” as over 100 cabin attendants have already received training and are providing services, Hwang said.
