Cathay Pacific CEO Rupert Hogg has resigned in the wake of anti-government
protests that roiled the airline and closed Hong Kong International Airport on
Monday evening and Tuesday.
"Recent events have called into question Cathay Pacific's
commitment to flight safety and security and put our reputation and brand under
pressure," Cathay Pacific chairman John Slosar said in statement Friday. "This
is regrettable, as we have always made safety and security our highest
priority. We therefore think it is time to put a new management team in place
who can reset confidence and lead the airline to new heights."
A week ago, China's government told Cathay Pacific that
airline employees who participated in the protests would not be allowed to fly
to or from mainland China, reported the South China Morning Post.
State-owned Air China Group is a significant stakeholder in Cathay Pacific.
The airport protests forced Cathay to cancel nearly 300
flights on Monday and Tuesday. During the airport unrest, Cathay threatened to
fire employees who participated.
On Wednesday, Cathay issued a statement that it had fired
two pilots, including one who "misused company information" on a
Monday flight.
Cathay Pacific chief commercial officer Paul Loo also
stepped down Friday.
The company has replaced Hogg with Augustus Tang, CEO of
Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Co. Loo has been replaced by Ronald Lam, CEO of
Cathay subsidiary and discount carrier Hong Kong Express. Lam will continue to
head Hong Kong Express until a replacement is found, Cathay said.