Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific will merge flights for January, February to ease Lunar New Year holiday strain on operations after recent cancellations

“We have taken measures to ensure Cathay Pacific’s flights will operate normally for the coming Chinese New Year travel peak,” said Ronald Lam Siu-por, CEO of the group, in a statement.

“Hong Kong people travelling out and visitors coming to Hong Kong can be reassured that their travel will go ahead as planned.”

The group said it had also reviewed flight schedules and increased pilot standby levels.

Its operations were stretched over the Christmas and New Year holidays, with 8 per cent more daily flights put on during the period, according to an internal memo seen earlier by the Post.

The memo said many pilots had worked hard throughout the year and were reaching their limit of 900 flying hours per year.

Hong Kong’s Cathay vows to avoid repeat of cancellations, as pilots hit hour limit

Some pilots told the Post that flight cancellations might persist due to the shortage of experienced cockpit crew, voicing safety concerns triggered by fatigue.

But the airline on Sunday said it had learned from the experience and, in addition to the short-term measures implemented, would make the necessary changes to ensure future operational stability.

It also reiterated its commitment to providing customers with more flight choices.