Reuters -- Cathay PacificPacific Airways Ltd faces unprecedented staffing and training shortages that will keep airfares high and threaten Hong Kong's resumption of its role as a global aviation hub, a pilots' union said on Thursday.
The Hong Kong Aircrew Officers Association HKAOA said that Cathay Pacific is currently facing unprecedented staffing and training shortages.
A record number of resignations by the company's most experienced pilots leaves the airline unprepared to fully resume operations and failing to meet resurgence demand, it added in a statement.
Last month, the airline said it expected to reach a third of pre-pandemic passenger capacity by the end of the year, surpassing its previous estimate of a quarter after crew quarantine rules were relaxed.
Cathay said the process was gradual as it needed a lot of crew training and reactivating of stored aircraft.
Pilot attrition has been higher than normal after more than two years of onerous quarantine norms, combined with permanent pay cuts of as much as 58 per cent.
Cathay crew on layovers overseas had to stay in their hotel rooms until the global financial hub relaxed COVID 19 curbs on Tuesday.
They must not wear masks on layovers except while eating and drinking, and must avoid mass gatherings or crowded places, such as bars.