Pilot Was Arrested During Anti-Government Protests In Hong Kong

A pilot for Cathay Pacific Airways has suspended a pilot who was arrested during an anti-government protest in Hong Kong, and that "overly radical" staff would be removed from flights serving mainland China.

Reuters reports that the suspension follows a demand from China's aviation regulatory agency demanding that the airline prevent staff from participating in protests in Hong Kong from operating flights to China, citing safety concerns.

The airline responded to customer questions about the move, saying its actions are "in line with our standard process", and that the pilot has not flown since July 15th. He was completely removed from service July 30th. "We express no view whatsoever on the subject matter of any proceedings to which he may be subject," the carrier said in a statement.

The pilot, who was not named by the airline, was among more than 40 people who have been charged with rioting during altercations with police near Beijing's main representative office in Hong Kong.

Cathay Pacific CEO Rupert Hogg said in a separate memo that it would ban any crewmember supporting protests in Hong Kong from working on flights to the Chinese Mainland as of August 10th. “Cathay Pacific Group employees who support or take part in illegal protests, violent actions, or overly radical behavior shall be immediately suspended from any activity involving flights to the mainland,” he said.

(Image from file)

FMI: Source report