Cathay Pacific seeking 20 pilots to temporarily boost cargo operation in anticipation of busy 2021

Cathay Pacific is pouring more resources into profitable air freight, temporarily transferring 20 pilots to its subsidiary cargo-only airline in anticipation of strong demand in 2021. The airline is making use of new flexible employment contracts – which 2,613 cockpit crew members signed in spite of massive pay cuts under the airline’s company-wide restructuring – to redeploy otherwise grounded pilots. Hong Kong’s bailed-out flag carrier wants 10 captains and 10 first officers to fly for Air Hong Kong for three to 12 months, citing an increase in charter freighter flights sought by Cathay Pacific’s cargo business. “Continued increased demand from Cathay Pacific Cargo has created an opportunity for 20 pilots to fly with Air Hong Kong,” a company spokeswoman said. “We are requesting volunteers initially from the Cathay Pacific crew who are qualified to fly the aircraft. Any such secondments are simply to cover additional short-term cargo demand over and above current plans and are not related to any new aircraft deliveries.”<br/>