Sou Hu Cai Jing·2025-07-16 08:06Group 1 - Cathay Pacific announced a significant layoff plan, expecting to cut approximately 8,500 positions globally, which represents about 24% of its total workforce [2] - The actual number of layoffs was 5,900, affecting various roles including cabin crew and ground staff, causing considerable internal upheaval [2] - The CEO expressed that this restructuring was necessary for the long-term development of the company, despite the impact on employees [2] Group 2 - Cathay Pacific is a long-established British-owned airline based in Hong Kong, often mistakenly perceived as a state-owned enterprise due to its name [2][4] - The airline has historically been a tool for British control over Hong Kong's transportation network, monopolizing the local aviation market [4][6] - During British colonial rule, Cathay Pacific collaborated with the colonial government to suppress the development of local private airlines, particularly targeting Hong Kong's national capitalists [6][8] Group 3 - The emergence of Dragonair, a local airline founded by Hong Kong capitalists, was met with resistance from Cathay Pacific and the colonial government, which sought to eliminate competition [8][10] - Dragonair's registration was denied due to a lack of British capital ownership, highlighting political discrimination [10] - Under pressure, local capitalists had to compromise and allow British capital to invest in Dragonair, ultimately losing control of the airline [14][20] Group 4 - Following the 1997 handover of Hong Kong, Cathay Pacific continued to exhibit colonial-era influences, including involvement in political controversies [20][22] - The airline faced backlash for its employees' participation in protests and for leaking sensitive police information, leading to public outrage [22][24] - In response to its actions, the Civil Aviation Administration of China issued warnings and restricted Cathay's operations in mainland airspace [31][32] Group 5 - The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted Cathay Pacific, with passenger traffic dropping by 90% and a 40% decline in stock price [37] - The Hong Kong government intervened with a financial rescue package of over HKD 7 billion to stabilize the airline [41] - Despite the financial aid, Cathay Pacific had to implement cost-cutting measures, including layoffs and salary reductions, while also ceasing operations of its subsidiary Dragonair [43] Group 6 - Cathay Pacific has begun to recover from the pandemic and political turmoil, gradually restoring routes and offering free tickets to regain customer trust [45][47] - The airline resumed flights through Russian airspace to mitigate losses, despite facing sanctions from the U.S. [45] - As of March 2023, Cathay Pacific is showing signs of recovery, with plans to restore flights between Hong Kong and Shanghai [45]