Hong Kong Airlines Axes 250 Cabin Crew Amid Pandemic

Hong Kong Airlines said on Friday that it is sacking around 250 flight attendants due to the prolonged impact of the pandemic on its business.

It's the second time this year the cash-strapped airline has announced mass layoffs. In February, it slashed 400 jobs and asked remaining staff to take unpaid leave.

In a statement released on Friday, the Hong Kong-based carrier said it has been compelled to adjust its operations significantly in the past year due to Covid-related travel restrictions.

It said ongoing adjustments have not only drastically affected revenue, but also reduced its demand for operating crew and staffing requirements in the foreseeable future.

Hong Kong Airlines said affected employees will be offered a compensation package in full compliance with their conditions of service and local labour laws.

The firm said it will do its best to try to stay afloat amid the pandemic and maintain its safety and customer-service standards at all times.

The aviation industry has been badly hit by the pandemic. In October, Cathay Pacific announced cutting 8,500 jobs, including 5,300 in Hong Kong, and stopped operating its Cathay Dragon regional subsidiary. Most of the remaining staff later accepted new lower-paid contracts.