oneworld

British Airways pilots voted in favour of industrial action as part of an accelerating pay dispute, laying the groundwork for their first strike in about 4 decades. Pilots backed action including a walkout with a 93% majority, BALPA said Monday. British Airways is meanwhile due to appear at the UK’s high court Tuesday to seek an injunction to halt any strike, which threatens to disrupt the crucial busy summer travel period. Dates for a walkout haven’t been finalised, the union said, adding that negotiations are on hold until after the court proceedings. The labour group said it remains open to reaching a resolution with the airline. A strike, if it goes ahead, would be the company’s first involving pilots since the 1970s. Aviators most recently voted for industrial action in 2008, although the dispute was settled before it led to a walkout. <br/>

Cathay Pacific Airways has completed the acquisition of HK Express, which is now a wholly owned subsidiary of the carrier. Cathay Pacific CE Rupert Hogg will become HK Express chairman and Cathay’s former director-commercial & cargo Ronald Lam will lead the LCC as its CE. Lavina Lau will take over as director commercial with immediate effect. Lau has been the group’s GM-planning for 4 years. According to Hogg, HK Express will continue to operate as a standalone carrier using the LCC model and business will continue as usual. He said HK Express captures a unique market segment that, together with the extensive network offered by the Cathay Pacific Group, could multiply connection opportunities through Hong Kong. <br/>