Airlines

Cathay Pacific to hire cabin crew from mainland China

Cathay Pacific asks business class customers to bring their own cutlery

In an effort to create a staff that is more inclusive and varied than ever before, Cathay Pacific launched its most recent hiring event at the Qianhai International Talent Hub in Shenzhen. The airline is able to do this because of its Hong Kong base, backing from the Chinese Mainland, and worldwide connections.

As Cathay Pacific’s first attempt to hire cabin crew on the Chinese Mainland, the occasion marks a key turning point for the airline. Cathay Pacific thinks that now is the ideal time to start this new recruitment initiative, reflecting the value of the Chinese Mainland market, given the rising number of flights, business activities, and frequent exchanges between Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland as well as the rising number of Putonghua-speaking customers.

Cathay Pacific unveils new Aria business class suite for B777-300ER(Opens in a new browser tab)

The goal of Cathay Pacific’s “2023 Chinese Mainland Talent Recruitment Plan” is to hire 200–300 cabin crew members on the Chinese Mainland this year and 1,000–2,000 individuals by 2025. In the future, Cathay Pacific will continue to conduct hiring operations in the Chinese Mainland, and the airline expects that the Chinese Mainland will eventually make up the majority of its cabin crew population outside of Hong Kong.

Additionally, the airline will offer even more employment possibilities for qualified individuals from the Chinese Mainland in the form of cadet pilots, cabin crew, IT specialists, ground staff, and customer service representatives, assisting in the development of aviation talent to support the growth of the sector.

Cathay Pacific becomes second operator of the A350-1000 widebody(Opens in a new browser tab)

The six-day hiring event runs from August 25 through August 30 at Shenzhen’s Qianhai International Talent Hub. Candidates who pass the preliminary evaluations will take part in an on-site interview. After receiving thorough introduction training, successful candidates will be based in Hong Kong.

By operating around 160 round-trip flights a week to 16 airports in 15 Chinese Mainland cities starting in October 2023, Cathay Pacific will link Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland to the rest of the globe. As part of its commitment to making travel from the Greater Bay Area as simple as possible, Cathay Pacific is also committed to offering a wide range of multimodal services, including air, sea, and land alternatives.

Airlines

IndiGo Awards 45-Day Bonus to Employees Equivalent to 1.5 Months’ Salary

IndiGo, India’s leading airline, has made headlines with its latest announcement of a generous reward for its workforce, celebrating their exceptional contributions throughout the fiscal year 2024.

In a move aimed at recognizing and appreciating their outstanding performance, the company has unveiled the “Thank You Bonus,” equivalent to 1.5 months’ basic salary. This bonus will be disbursed as an ex-gratia payment alongside the May 2024 salary.

The decision comes on the heels of remarkable financial achievements for IndiGo, marked by a notable surge in profits during the third quarter of the fiscal year 2024. With a staggering 110% increase in profits, the airline reported standalone profits of Rs 2,998 crore for the quarter ended December 31, compared to Rs 1,423 crore in the same period of the previous year.

IndiGo’s CEO, Pieter Elbers, has consistently emphasized the company’s resilience in navigating the challenges posed by the pandemic. This substantial bonus underscores the company’s positive trajectory and its commitment to recognizing and rewarding the dedication and hard work of its employees.

Beyond financial success, IndiGo is also dedicated to fostering inclusivity and diversity within its workforce. The Thank You Bonus initiative is not just about monetary appreciation but also about empowering every member of the IndiGo family, including specially-abled colleagues, by providing them with opportunities to showcase their skills and abilities.

Moreover, this move reaffirms IndiGo’s core values of providing an affordable, punctual, courteous, and hassle-free travel experience for all passengers. The airline has consistently prioritized accessibility, ensuring that all its facilities, technologies, information, and privileges are accessible to persons with disabilities.

In sum, IndiGo’s decision to award a 45-day bonus to its employees amid significant profits not only reflects the company’s financial success but also underscores its commitment to its workforce and its values of inclusivity, excellence, and customer satisfaction.

Airlines

A New Player Takes Off: Embraer Poses a Formidable Challenge to Boeing

In the midst of ongoing challenges faced by Boeing and the aviation industry at large, Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer has been thrust into the spotlight.

Recent reports suggesting that Embraer is eyeing the development of a next-generation narrow-body aircraft have sparked intrigue and speculation. However, the company has swiftly moved to quash such rumors.

Internal assessments conducted within Embraer have indeed highlighted the company’s impressive technological prowess and manufacturing capabilities. These findings have led some to speculate about the potential for Embraer to enter the narrow-body aircraft market, traditionally dominated by industry giants Boeing and Airbus.

In light of Boeing’s recent challenges, including the protracted grounding of its 737 MAX jets and leadership upheavals, some industry analysts have suggested that there may be an opportunity for smaller players like Embraer to disrupt the market duopoly. Airbus, too, has plans to introduce a new narrow-body aircraft in the future, further intensifying competition in this space.

However, despite the potential openings created by Boeing’s troubles, Embraer appears cautious about overextending itself. The company is currently focused on maximizing the success of its existing portfolio, which includes the innovative E2 aircraft series.

Additionally, the emergence of alternatives such as China’s Comac C919 adds another layer of complexity to the competitive landscape. While the C919 has thus far secured orders primarily from Asian carriers, Boeing’s challenges could prompt airlines worldwide to explore alternative options.

Airlines

Air India Revised Baggage Rules for Domestic Flights

Air India Trims Baggage Allowance for Domestic Flights

Air India, one of India’s leading airlines, has implemented significant changes to its baggage policies, affecting travelers across various fare classes.

Effective May 2, 2024, the airline has rolled out a revised baggage allowance scheme, marking a reduction in the permitted weight limits for most fare categories. Under the updated guidelines, passengers booking economy and business class tickets will notice a decrease in their baggage allowance by 5 to 10 kilograms compared to previous allowances.

These adjustments reflect Air India’s response to market dynamics and regulatory requirements. In the Economy Comfort category, encompassing S, T, U, and L fare classes, travelers will now have a baggage allowance of 15 kilograms, down from the previous 20 kilograms. As reported by livefromalounge.

Similarly, passengers availing themselves of Economy Comfort Plus, including G, W, V, Q, and K fare classes, will see their baggage allowance reduced to 15 kilograms from the earlier 25 kilograms.

However, not all fare classes are subject to reductions. Economy Flex passengers, represented by the H, M, B, and Y fare classes, will maintain their previous baggage allowance of 25 kilograms.

In the business class segment, changes are also evident. Business Comfort Plus, consisting of Z and J fare classes, will now offer a baggage allowance of 25 kilograms, down from the prior 35 kilograms. Meanwhile, passengers booking Business Flex tickets under the D and C fare classes will have a revised baggage allowance of 35 kilograms, compared to the previous 40 kilograms.

For passengers planning their upcoming journeys with Air India, it is essential to review the updated baggage policies to ensure compliance and avoid any inconvenience during their travel experience.