Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific has announced that none of its pilots or cabin crew have been confirmed to have contracted COVID-19. This comes as airlines around the world have indicated some of its employees have tested positive for the virus or, unfortunately, passed away.
Cathay Pacific’s crew have not contracted COVID-19
Cathay Pacific’s Chief Operations and Service Delivery Officer, Greg Hughes, stated the following in a press release viewed by Simple Flying:
“Since April, more than 3,200 voluntary and mandatory tests have been taken by Cathay Pacific and Cathay Dragon pilots and cabin crew. None of these have come back positive, and none of our operating crew have been confirmed to have contracted COVID-19. This demonstrates that our aircrew are extremely diligent when it comes to adhering to social distancing rules and protecting themselves. Throughout the COVID-19 period our crew have acted with the highest levels of safety, compliance and professionalism.”
As the COVID-19 pandemic spread, frontline airline employees were put under public health scrutiny over whether or not their roles inflight could lead to the spread of COVID-19. Cathay Pacific took measures to reduce the potential for viral transmission. And, with Cathay Pacific’s global exposure, it is very impressive that none of the carrier’s frontline pilots or cabin crew tested positive for the virus.
China and South Korea, which are one of Cathay Pacific’s largest markets, were two of the largest hotspots early on in the pandemic where Cathay Pacific would have substantial exposure. The testing results mentioned above, however, only describe results from tests taken since April. Considering how the COVID-19 pandemic began in February and March, it is unclear if any of Cathay Pacific’s crew contracted the virus earlier in the year.
Hong Kong’s new testing requirements for crew
Not too long ago, Hong Kong instituted new requirements for inbound crew members, including testing and hospital admissions for positive results. These new requirements led both United Airlines and American Airlines to suspend flights to Hong Kong.
Cathay Pacific has indicated it supports the efforts and mandates put forth by the Hong Kong government. The carrier stated it complies with the measures, including testing and social distancing for arriving aircrew.
The carrier has made sure its non-Hong Kong-based crew remain in designated hotels and practice social distancing measures while in Hong Kong. Hong Kong-based crew comply with similar standards while staying in foreign countries. Regardless, all crewmembers have been told to comply with public health guidance, maintaining good personal hygiene, regularly monitoring for symptoms, and wearing a mask when commuting for duty flights. The airline has also put forth strong health commitments for its passengers.
Global exposure
Cathay Pacific continues to maintain a global route network, which is driven especially by its cargo operations. This leaves the carrier, and its crew, exposed to a plethora of countries around the world– some of which are seeing spikes in COVID-19 cases. It remains to be seen if Cathay Pacific’s crew can continue to stay safe amid a rise in cases. For now, however, it seems that the airline has got a good grip on preventive measures.
