Hong Kong's Court of Final Appeal ruled against Cathay Pacific Airways in two cases regarding its aircrew on Wednesday that could end up costing the airline hundreds of millions of dollars.
The first case involved flight attendants who claimed their holiday pay should have included additional commissions and allowances. The second case involved a group of pilots known as the '49ers' who were fired after taking part in union activities.
The dispute with the cabin crew involved more than 4,000 flight attendants, according to the Cathay Pacific Airways Flight Attendants Union, and could cost the airline about HKD$100 million (USD$12.9 million) in back pay, the South China Morning Post reported.
Cathay has also been ordered by the Court to pay the pilots one month's salary.
"We respect the judgment of the Court of Final Appeal. Our legal team is studying the respective rulings and the company will consider the necessary steps in their detailed applications," Cathay said in a statement.
Cathay, the world's largest air freight carrier, posted its worst first-half loss since 2003 last month, hurt by high fuel costs, weak cargo demand and fewer premium passengers.
Source: Reuters
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