Giraffe Global News Update

Cost cutting isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you hear Cathay Pacific, a brand synonymous with Krug champagne and caviar service in First Class, but these are challenging times. The South China Morning Post is reporting that Cathay’s CEO asked all 27,000 airline employees to take three weeks unpaid leave staggered in a way so everyone isn’t out at once.

In a video to employees obtained by the South China Morning Post Cathay Pacific’s CEO, Augustus Tang Kin-wing, said: “I am appealing to each and every one of you to help” and goes on to say the COVID-19 outbreak is “just as grave” as the global financial crisis of 2009.” He’s asking all employees, including senior management, to take the time off between March and June.

What does this mean for passengers?

Cathay Pacific will be canceling a lot of flights. For example, if you’re a giraffe based in the tristate area and were planing on flying on Cathay’s A350-900 from Newark to Hong Kong in March you may want to check for alternative flights. Based on Expertflyer searches it looks like they’ve zeroed out the flight for most of March. While they haven’t canceled the flights yet, they’re not selling any new tickets so the writing is on the wall.

Overall Verdict

First Class Giraffe Concerned

This rapidly evolving situating is having a significant impact on the economy of China and Hong Kong. I wish the Cathay Pacific employees affected by this news all the best.