oneworld

A crackdown by Cathay Pacific Airways on flight attendants helping themselves to company supplies has sent shock waves through the cabin crew community after several were caught red-handed over the weekend. Such petty theft at the airline had long been treated as an unofficial perk, with staff taking home everything from cutlery and wine glasses to bottles of champagne and even pieces of bread, according to company and cabin crew sources. At least 6 employees – a mix of senior and junior crew – were Saturday placed under investigation awaiting possible disciplinary action, following spot checks at Hong Kong International. Sources said the theft of items that could have been used for future flights had cost the carrier “untold hundreds of millions” over the years. <br/>

Syria's transport minister says Qatar Airways' request to fly through Syrian airspace has been approved. Airlines have avoided Syria since the civil war broke out in 2011, causing long detours. Ali Hammoud said Monday that the measure will save Qatar's airline time and money. Qatar Airways did not immediately comment on the report. Hammoud said the detour around Syrian airspace had cost airlines up to 90 minutes. He said Syria agreed to Qatar's request because it has not stopped Syrian airlines from flying to Doha. In a diplomatic row with its Gulf neighbours, Qatar had been banned from flying over Saudi and Bahraini airspace, costing the carrier significant revenue losses. Qatar Airways has since been allowed over Bahrain because of waivers negotiated through the ICAO. <br/>