HONG KONG– The Hong Kong Aircrew Officers Association (HKAOA) has expressed “serious concern” over recent pay increases for Cathay Pacific (CX) executives while the airline continues to face operational challenges.
In a statement released on Thursday, April 10, the union highlighted the disconnect between executive compensation and frontline staff conditions. This stark contrast suggests that Cathay Pacific (CX) is prioritizing executive rewards over workforce recovery despite posting nearly HK$10 billion in profits and winning Skytrax Awards.
Photo: Cathay PacificCathay Pacific Executives Pay Hike Concern
According to Cathay Pacific’s 2024 annual report published one day earlier, CEO Ronald Lam received a HK$14.15 million compensation package, representing a 35 percent increase from his HK$10.46 million salary in 2023.
The most substantial pay rise went to Alexander McGowan, Chief Operations and Service Delivery Officer, whose remuneration jumped nearly 77 percent from HK$4.63 million to HK$8.18 million.
The pilot union strongly criticized these increases, noting that despite the airline posting nearly HK$10 billion in profits, frontline employees continue to experience the effects of pandemic-era pay cuts and unfavorable contract changes.
“The disconnect between executive pay and frontline staff struggles cannot be ignored.”
Hong Kong Aircrew Officers Association (HKAOA)
The union attributes Cathay Pacific’s high ticket prices to ongoing staffing shortages and has called for “immediate action to address major staffing issues” through the reinstatement of pre-COVID contract provisions for frontline staff.
Photo: Cathay PacificHong Kong Airport Rises in Global Rankings
Despite challenges in the airline sector, Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) has achieved significant recognition in global aviation rankings.
According to airline consultancy, Skytrax, HKIA now ranks as the 6th best airport in the world, climbing five positions from its previous 11th place ranking.
The airport finished behind Singapore Changi (SIN), Doha Hamad (DOH), Tokyo Haneda (HND), Seoul Incheon (ICN), and Tokyo Narita (NRT) in the global rankings.
Also Read: Singapore Changi Named Best Airport in the World, No.6 Will Surprise You
Photo: Cathay PacificImmigration Department Wins Top Global Honor
In a major achievement for Hong Kong’s aviation services, the Hong Kong Immigration Department (ImmD) has been voted the winner of the 2025 Skytrax Award for Best Airport Immigration Service.
This marks the fifth time the department has received this prestigious recognition, having previously won it in 2015, 2016, 2019, and 2020.
Singapore Changi (SIN), Bahrain (BAH), and Taiwan Taoyuan (TPE) airports followed Hong Kong (HKG) in the rankings for best airport immigration service.
“The department was honored to receive the prestigious Skytrax Award for Best Airport Immigration Service for the fifth time, which affirms the ImmD’s commitment to delivering the highest quality of immigration clearance services.”
Benson Kwok, Director of Immigration, Hong Kong
During his visit to Spain, Kwok met with several local media outlets to introduce Hong Kong’s latest developments, talent admission schemes, visa services, and immigration facilitation measures, further promoting the city’s aviation and immigration capabilities on the international stage.
Photo: Cathay PacificBottom Line
The Hong Kong Aircrew Officers Association (HKAOA) has strongly criticized Cathay Pacific’s executive pay increases, highlighting a significant disparity in the airline’s treatment of leadership versus frontline staff.
While the CEO and COO saw their compensation surge, pilots and cabin crew continued to operate under reduced pay and unfavorable contract terms implemented during the pandemic.
This stark contrast suggests that Cathay Pacific (CX) is prioritizing executive rewards over workforce recovery despite posting nearly HK$10 billion in profits and winning Skytrax Awards.
The situation reveals a troubling corporate culture where financial success benefits top management exclusively while the staff directly responsible for passenger experience and operational execution remain financially disadvantaged.
Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.
Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News
Cathay Pacific Unlocks Faster Way to Switch Flights
The post Cathay Pacific Pilots Opposes Pay Hike of Executives appeared first on Aviation A2Z.
