[Reuters]–Cathay Pacific Airlines in Hong Kong, one of Asia’s largest airlines, is facing resistance from relatives. Pilots say that Hong Kong’s strict quarantine policy of “Zero Corona” threatens mental health, leading to increased stress and retirement.
Cathay Pacific fired three pilots last week for violating bylaws. The three left the hotel room while waiting for a transfer in Frankfurt, Germany, and were subsequently diagnosed with a positive coronavirus infection (COVID-19).
The Hong Kong government has taken steps to forcibly detain more than 270 people (including school children) who have come into contact with the pilot’s family in a small private room in a state-owned isolation facility.
Some pilots declared that they were not ready to fly for the first assigned crew after the quarantine was lifted.
As this extreme example highlights, while other Asian countries are gradually easing measures, Cathay pilots are wary of China’s pandemic under the “Zero Corona” policy. We are facing difficult working conditions. All the pilots have completed vaccination.
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Qantas Australia, which competes with Cathay, has begun to ease its strict transit waiting policy. But the Hong Kong government wants to allow the Chinese government to move across borders by keeping pace with mainland China and tightening quarantine rules.
Behind the tightening of the rules is growing concern about the growing new mutant “Omicron” in South Africa. Omicron strains have also been identified in Hong Kong and Botswana, leading several countries to announce stronger border controls and stricter inspections.
“I don’t feel like I can hold on,” one of Cathay’s pilots told Reuters on condition of anonymity. “The stress that family and friends may be quarantined can be daunting.”
Several other active or just-retired pilots have told Reuters that morale has declined and more people are quitting since a permanent wage cut of 58% a year ago.
Extreme stress is a serious problem in the aviation industry, as signs of mental problems can make reemployment difficult.
One pilot says. “What is the risk of being a little stressed?” Since the pandemic began, he has been quarantined in hotel rooms outside Hong Kong for more than 200 nights. “Is it affecting my health? Will I be asked if I have quit due to some mental problems after retirement?”
Pilots say some of the government’s anti-pandemic rules are vague and frustrating. For example, pilots are required to avoid “unnecessary social contact” for three weeks after returning to Hong Kong. But in return, you are not given a vacation.
Cathay acknowledged in a statement to Reuters that pilots have been laying off more than usual since the end of October.
“Unfortunately, the case in Frankfurt has a negative emotional impact,” Cathay says.
In Hong Kong, many takeoffs and landings, including the United States and the United Kingdom, are classified as “high risk”. As a result, Cathay pilots who bring passengers from those countries to Hong Kong have to spend two weeks in isolation at the hotel.
To secure crew for these flights, Cathay began operating a “closed-loop” crew schedule in February for those who wish. While staying at the hotel for five weeks in a row, he is prohibited from going out or using the sports gym except for the crew, and then spends two weeks at home.
“I joined this schedule with the intention of earning even a little, because my 50% salary cut last year made my life much harder,” said a pilot who recently retired after experiencing two “closed loops.” .. “I already have a companion in the 5th or 6th closed loop.”
Cathay announced on the 25th that some flights to Hong Kong are expected to be canceled during the peak demand period in December due to a shortage of applicants for the program.
Cathay is aware of the burden on pilots and is taking steps to share concerns, such as biweekly telephone consultations, programs such as mutual support networks between fellow pilots, and long vacations. It is supposed to be.
In other parts of the world, Dubai-based Emirates Airlines and Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, a US cargo airline, are pulling Cathay as pilots as the infection situation improves. Cathay pilots interviewed by Reuters revealed.
Emirates has begun to hire 600 pilots, but declined to comment. We also asked Atlas for comment, but did not get an answer.
Pilots interviewed by Reuters say more pilots will retire next year when the temporary housing and education allowance period ends.
Cathay is hiring new pilots on a scale of “hundreds” and plans to resume the training pilot system next year.
Due to strict quarantine rules in Hong Kong, US logistics giant FedEx closed its pilot waiting base in Hong Kong last week. It’s a move that symbolizes that Hong Kong’s brilliance as a major logistics hub is bleak.
A FedEx pilot who recently left Hong Kong said, “I really sympathize with the Cathay people.” “I’m really worried if they’re okay in terms of mental health.”
(Translation: Acrelen)
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