Letters | Cathay Pacific’s pay rise for top executives raises questions about its priorities

Readers discuss why the airline should treat its frontline staff and customers better, the resignation of two UK judges from Hong Kong’s Court of Final Appeal, rising taxi complaints, and Donald Trump’s attack on the court that convicted him

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A Cathay Pacific service counter at Hong Kong International Airport on May 8. Cathay should have focused on supporting the very people who are helping the airline recover lost ground – its passengers and frontline workers. Photo: Dickson Lee

Published: 11:30am, 8 Jun 2024

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As Hong Kong’s flagship airline, Cathay Pacific has long been a source of pride for the city. However, recent revelations about the company’s lavish executive compensation paint a worrying picture of its priorities.

Cathay paid more than HK$60 million (US$7.67 million) to its 20 executive directors last year – a nearly 20 per cent increase from pre-pandemic levels in 2019 – rewarding its top management even as customers and frontline staff continue to bear the brunt of the industry’s challenges.

Lavish executive pay packages fail to recognise the collective effort required to weather the pandemic storm. Cathay should have focused on supporting the very people who are helping the airline recover lost ground – its passengers and frontline workers. They were the ones who made Cathay a great airline to begin with.

In these uncertain times, the airline could have taken steps to reduce fares and make air travel more accessible to the public. Alternatively, it could have provided better compensation and benefits to its hardworking staff, boosting morale and demonstrating a genuine commitment to their well-being. Sadly, Cathay’s actions sent the wrong message.

The time for change has come. As Cathay seeks to rebuild its reputation, which has taken a hit in recent years, it must recognise that boosting staff morale and customer satisfaction should be the top priorities.