Opinion | Crumbling Cathay no longer flies the flag for Hong Kong’s aviation dream
- The airline has struggled to find its feet post pandemic, cancelling flights in peak season, cutting standards for its pilot captains and entering the budget flights market
- After a government bailout, swingeing staff cuts and serious service lapses, Cathay can no longer be considered a premium airline
Founded in 1946 by two former air force pilots, Cathay started off with a converted Douglas DC3 called Betsy. When I left the company’s affiliated maintenance operation in 1968, the Cathay fleet had increased to eight aircraft. It then took off with a reputation for safety, reliability and friendliness.
Its success could be attributed primarily to the professionalism of both its cockpit and cabin crew. The airline took pride in its highly trained British and Australian pilots. Its pool of stewardesses was a mix of smiling faces from Hong Kong and elsewhere. Passengers did not mind paying 10-20 per cent more for the quality, reliability and friendliness. Cathay was the first choice for many, especially Hongkongers. This is sadly no longer the case.