Cathay Pacific Airways has indicated it could extend negotiations with pilots to resolve a long-standing impasse over cutbacks – but would not say whether it would wait until next year. The airline’s chief Rupert Hogg said management and the pilot’s union had set a timetable to achieve a deal. Negotiations between pilots – who make up about 13% of employees – and the loss-making carrier over pay and changes to flying schedules have been going on for almost four years. The Hong Kong Aircrew Officers Association (HKAOA), which represents most of Cathay’s 3,300 pilots, have been fighting for better working hours to reduce fatigue, while Cathay, looking to reduce HK$4b from its books by 2019, has been pushing for cuts that would amount to HK$1b. Talks stalled last November. “When we agreed to talk, we agreed that we’ll set ourselves a timetable and if we get to a certain point that we need some more time, we’ll take some more time,” Hogg said. Cathay Pacific is looking to reduce HK$4b from its books by 2019 and has been pushing for cutbacks to pilot benefits that would amount to HK$1b. There have been two more rounds of talks since the end of April, union sources said, but Hogg declined to say whether the airline would allow for talks to continue into next year out of respect for the ongoing discussions, he said.<br/>
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An Australian judge sentenced a man to 12 years in prison Thursday for threatening to detonate a fake bomb on a Malaysia Airlines flight, terrifying more than 200 passengers and crew. Manodh Marks, 26, forced the plane to turn back soon after takeoff when he screamed that he had a bomb and ran down the aisle carrying flashing electronic devices. A Sri Lankan studying hospitality in Australia, he pleaded guilty in a Melbourne court to attempting to take control of an aircraft, a federal offense that carries a potential maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. In May last year, an agitated and drug-affected Marks ran down the aisle of the plane holding a portable speaker and a power bank with flashing blue lights. Judge Michael McInerney said Marks reached the galley outside the cockpit door where he announced he intended to destroy the plane. "The passengers and crew were not only concerned but convinced that you were indeed in possession of a bomb," McInerney said, adding that the bomb threat came during the vulnerable takeoff period, distracting the pilot and putting those on board at increased risk. The pilot made a mayday call to Melbourne air traffic control and turned the plane around. Marks was eventually overpowered by passengers and restrained with cable ties as the flight, bound for Kuala Lumpur, returned to Melbourne Airport.<br/>
A stretching studio. Guided meditation sessions. Shower suites with light therapy. They sound like the features of a New Age spa. But all are elements of Qantas Airways’ new international transit lounge at the Perth Airport. And they’re all designed with one purpose in mind: helping you combat jet lag. For the Australian carrier, this is an especially relevant proposition—it launched a new non-stop route from Perth to London in March, which—at 17 hours and 20 minutes on the outbound—is among the longest in the world. Qantas is not alone in this regard. Singapore Airlines has just debuted a new record-setting route that hops 12 time zones, from its namesake hub to Newark, in 18 hours and 45 minutes. As farther-apart cities become increasingly connected by direct flights, more and more airlines are stocking their lounges with wellness-related features. And they’re promoting one consistent message: If it’s sleep you’re after, skip the Champagne. Like most high-end airline lounges, it includes the requisite spa treatments and gourmet dining. More notable are the details that assist passengers with “flight recovery.” An airy patio area, for instance, has ceiling shades that can be opened to let in natural light and boost passengers’ vitamin D, which promotes healthier sleep patterns. <br/>