Cathay's CEO Blunder over Tragedy

[Herb]

Letter from Chief Executive to the staff at Cathay Pacific Airways

Clearly the tragic events of yesterday will have a very significant impact on our business. It is too early to speculate how deep or long lasting the effect will be. However, we can be certain that it will make the down turn even worse.

Clearly as a management team we will be doing everything to secure our future where possible and I want staff to be reassured that we have matters under control. We will need to review our operating plans in the light of the circumstances as they unfold.

Travel is likely to be affected and, of course, our costs may be raised by fluctuations in the price of fuel. Apart from the psychological impact on the travelling public's willingness to fly, there is also the likely possibility of declining stock markets seriously affecting consumer confidence.

As we have done so many times in the past we will combat these problems together as a team and I look forward to working with you all on these issues. I will let you have more information as things unfold.

Our thoughts go out to those directly affected and to their families. American Airlines is our oneworld partner and our thoughts are with Don Carty and his colleagues.


David Turnbull


This is the rambling of a selfish, money obsessed moron. Thousands of people dead and injured and he rants on about CX's business prospects.

He does not represent anyone at Cathay Pacific Airways.
The real staff at Cathay Pacific offer their unconditional condolences and sympathy and support to those involved in the events that have unfolded in the USA over the last couple of days. We are here to offer any help we can.

Herb.

[ 13 September 2001: Message edited by: Herb ]

[Wizdum]

To be fair to the man, he's being paid to run a company and seems to be doing his best to assure those relying on him, that things will be ok. He has extended his regards, concern and sympathy, there should be no need to question his motives.

[The Guvnor]

Good grief, Herb! What's your problem here? David Turnbull says quite clearly "Our thoughts go out to those directly affected and to their families. American Airlines is our oneworld partner and our thoughts are with Don Carty and his colleagues."

He's CEO of CX, and that was obviously a memo sent out to CX staff, and based on what you say in your post you are apparently one.

Accordingly, he's quite right to say that recent events will affect CX - and indeed pretty much most airlines around the world.

Your post is the rambling of a selfish, strike obsessed moron. Thousands of people dead and injured and you rant on about CX's management.

[Jack The Lad]

Sorry Herb, but I feel compelled to take issue with you over your post;

1. How can David Turnbull's statement be perceived as "the ramblings of a selfish, money obsessed moron" ??

2. He does offer his condolences to those "directly affected and to their families"

3. Most importantly, as CEO of a major worldwide business, his employees and shareholders alike would naturally expect him to assess and then react to the inevitable consequences that WE (as in the 'whole world') will enevitably face as a result of this outrageous and very tragic terrorist act. Every single business and community around the world is trying to evaluate and therefore respond to what might occur. This directly affects your livelihood and welfare!

Whilst I have considerable sympathy with the CX pilots and the way that they have been traeted recently, your posting does little to enhance your credibility in the eyes of the world community.

[flyblue]

Ok, maybe Herb is a little sensitive about it, but I think it would have been nicer from Dave to give his thoughts, simpathy etc FIRST then talk business. Doesn't change anything but MEANS a lot.
I understand what you mean Herb, even if expressed in anger.

[Jack The Lad]

OK Flyblue, here it is:

Who is more insensitive? David Turnbull or Herb?? Who the f*ck cares about the CX pilots dispute against the background of such an enormous loss of life that affects thousands and thousands of families around the world that are grieving right now??

You think Herb is a little sensitive about his 'minor personal, selfish worries'..i.e. that his terms and conditions are being eroded?

You understand the rantings of a 'selfish, money obsessed moron' (you and Herb alike?)

You take the biscuit on this one jerk...to hell with your petty troubles...they sink into sheer insignificance. I'm ashamed that fellow pilots could use such a tragedy for their personal crusade.

[Sir Kitt Braker]

Herb-BIG mistake, I hope you put more thought into your flying than you do to your posts here. Go sit in a darkened room for a while and engage brain (if you have one).

[Desk Driver]

It has to be business as usual! We have to go on and show these bastards that we will not be beaten. Yes sympathys should've been extended first but otherwise runs along the lines on a memo from my boss.

For christsake Herb stop trying to score points for your squabble......Not out of this!

[411A]

Normal ops for Herb----open mouth and promptly insert foot---and then firmly shove head up backside.

[smallwing]

http://hongkong.scmp.com/ZZZR7NQWJRC.html

Herb, for goodness sakes, you made it on the SCMP!!

That comment you have made has just made pilots from CX look very stupid. I can only suggest that if you are from CX, keep on CPrune, and not hurt the chances to ending this negotiation crap.

What the press might not know is that every week there is a report on profits/otp/performance. That was part of the report on condolence and hope the media will reiterate that into their research.

cheers :D

[AACE]

411A.....

Coming from somebody so suitably qualified, I guess we should all take notice of you !!! :cool:

[cws]

Sorry guys, but I must side with Herb. With the info I have from pprune-dont know what else was handed out by your mgmnt-I find this letter disturbing. Here at Lufti our Ceo Weber-and I am not a friend of him since the strike- issued a letter first thing yesterday condeming what happend and forwarding our grief to the involved. No word of econmics so far. A move I honor. Also there is a open letter to the ceos of UA and AA where all of us can sign in our crew lounge in FRA giving the employees of UA and AA our support on feelings, a nice move.
All the best to the families and relatives of the involved cockpit and cabin crew members, who died in the line of duty!, my thoughts are with them.

[Traffic]

Disputes aside, if anyone out there has met David Turnbull then at the very least they would know that he is a very decent human being.

This has been a tough week for most in the world and a tough few months for most in CX.

Get some humanity.Herb...call in sick if that's where your head is at the moment.

[Poke Guy]

I concur with cws, Herb, et. el. While every other airline CEOs are offering condolences, Mr. Turnbull is using the sad event as an excuse to cut cost and increase productivity. Very poor taste, Mr. Turnbull, it's time to grow up.

[cpdude]

How would you feel if your hometown newspaper put the terrible events of Sept 11 on page 5? Likewise, the CEO's remarks should have been reversed and condolences in paragraph 1.

But that's just the human in me speaking!

[smallwing]

Cpdude, you are right. Whoever wrote this, (doubt DT did it himself) should go back to school.

:D

[bsevenfour]

To all those heartless individuals who replied initially to this thread and saw nothing wrong with Turnbull's letter here is a reminder again of what it means to be human.

A Message from United Airlines CEO James E. Goodwin

"The thoughts and prayers of all of us at United are with the families and friends of those who were the victims of these unprecedented acts of terrorism. We are making every resource available at our company to assist the authorities with every aspect of their investigation of these criminal acts. Yesterday's unexpected chain of events has been devastating to all of us at United, to our nation and to people around the world.

"We will be working very hard in the days and weeks ahead to help the families cope with the trauma of these terrible tragedies. Our family care team employees will be assigned to the families for as long as is needed. These employees will provide the families with the latest information, assist with any financial or travel arrangements that may be needed, and respond to other family requests and needs. As a company, we will continue to hold all the victims and their families in our thoughts, in our prayers and in our hearts.

"We are also making every resource available at our company to assist all of the relevant authorities - including the FBI - with the ultimate goal of bringing to justice the individuals or organizations responsible for these horrific criminal acts. I encourage anyone with any information or tips to immediately contact the FBI at <A HREF="http://www.ifccfbi.gov."" TARGET=_blank>www.ifccfbi.gov."</A>


If you are still confused as to the difference between this and Turnbull's letter you will notice the absence of any mention of future business prospects, fuel prices etc.

Also can someone please point out where in Turnbull's letter he makes any reference to the wellbeing of the crew and Cathay staff based in New York ?

THIS IS A HUMAN TRAGEDY NOT A BUSINESS TRAGEDY AND SHAME ON YOU IF YOU CAN'T APPRECIATE THAT.

THIS LETTER IS INEXCUSABLE AND SHAME ON THOSE WHO TRY TO PAINT IT OTHERWISE.

[Flap 5]

Unfortunately in Hong Kong profit and greed come first.

[cws]

Well said HK1, I see it exactly the same way.
Very sad

[Jack The Lad]

You guys are just unbelievable (Herb and his supporting cronies!) You are so shallow, that YOUR greed and selfishness just oozes out of your posts.

Whether DT's message was in the right order or not is one thing; no big deal from where we are all sitting. He paid his condolences.

But you guys are using this to have a poke at your senior management over your own troubles and woes. That is sick!

I said it before and I say it again, you have demeaned yourselves, and what was a worthy cause in the eyes of the world community. Best you keep 'schtum' on this topic rather than show yourselves up more than you have already!

Ciji's post is far more appropriate, and I suspect more representative of the majority of the CX pilots, at the moment.

[SMOC]

Sorry JACK but you don't work for CX therefore don't know DT.

[411A]

The "cause" for the CX pilots is dead in the water...all over but the shouting. Grasping at straws...Herb style.

[Poke Guy]

Sep 12, 2001 Juergen Weber conveys deepest sympathy to the families of the victims

Lufthansa had to cancel all its flights to and from North America today. 27 flight pairs with some 16,000 booked passengers aboard as well as air freight for Lufthansa Cargo were affected. It is still unclear when US and Canadian airspace will be re-opened.
This morning's flight to Tel Aviv also had to be cancelled as Israeli airspace also remains closed. From this evening flights scheduled flights to the Middle East will be resumed.

We wish to express our deepest sympathy to the families of the victims, in particular the relatives of our colleagues at United American Airlines who lost their lives, and to the American people as whole," said Lufthansa CEO and Chairman, Jürgen Weber in Frankfurt this afternoon. "We condemn this terrorist act in the strongest possible terms, and I speak also as a member of the Board of Governors of the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Airlines worldwide have been severely shaken by the attacks."

According to the security services, and Lufthansa was in constant contact with the relevant ministries in Germany, there was no reason to expect any further terrorist attacks at the present time, Weber stressed. In cooperation with the authorities even stricter security checks had been ordered, although the security measures at German airports match the highest standards in the world. "We are also ensuring that the high standards in our area of resonsibility are enforced worldwide across the Lufthansa network," Weber said, adding that the safety of Lufthansa passengers and the cockpit and cabin crews always has absolute priority."

Lufthansa tickets for flights to and from the United States and Tel Aviv which were issued up to and including the 12th October and are valid for Lufthansa departures to these destinations until 30th September 2001 are subject to special regulations concerning their re-issue or cancellation. These tickets can be re-booked within the same booking class without an additional re-issuing fee. If a passenger decides to cancel the flight, Lufthansa will not charge a cancellation fee. This procedure also applies to reservations for flights which Lufthansa operates jointly with its Star Alliance partner United Airlines (LH6000 flight numbers).

Lufthansa regrets the disruption and any inconvenience caused to its passengers and thanks them for their patience. The special hotline set up for passenger enquiries is still open. It can be reached toll-free from anywhere in Germany on this number:0800 100 94 99. Constantly updated information is also available on our website at www.lufthansa.com. (http://www.lufthansa.com.)

[Poke Guy]

411A: RIP

[411A]

Not a pretty picture is it PokeGuy, you and your colleagues will be lucky to keep your jobs now, let alone a pay raise. Should have settled for the company offer long ago.
Those who stir the sh@t had better have a raincoat handy when it hits the fan.

[raitfaiter]

And of course 411a's mysterious start up venture will be there to replace you, (Chief Pilot Ironbutt 57).....411a, ESAD :p

[Poke Guy]

411A: Wrong employer! Not everyone in HKG works for CX. Get your facts straight and don't shoot from the hips. :p

[411A]

Good for you PokeGuy, at least you are out of the line of fire.
HKAOA= DOA
:eek:

[ 19 September 2001: Message edited by: 411A ]

[dragonspanner]

Herb
It wasn't David Turnbull who started industrial action over pay.......so who is selfish and obsessed???

[Herb]

I don't think Dragonspanner has taken the time to educate himself.As has been pointed out the industrial action started in 1999 with the ultimatum from DT.

More for 411A to drool over from the SCMP, today.

Letters to the editor.
TERROR IN AMERICA: HONG KONG'S RESPONSE
Money-mad city hardly world class


As an American living in Hong Kong, I am disappointed and disgusted with the SAR Government's lack of sensitivity towards the horrific events in the United States last week.
While the rest of the world showed its emotional support for Americans and their Government during this crisis, the only comments from our leaders related to the economic impact the events would have on Hong Kong.

This reinforces my belief that our leaders are continuing to lead this society down a path where there is no regard for human life and that they see everything in terms of economics.

While most other governments and stock markets showed their empathy last week through moments of silence and prayers, Hong Kong was woefully silent in any expression recognising the deep sorrow many of us feel.

This reaffirms that Hong Kong is not a world-class city. Shame on everyone in our Government and financial markets.

L. SUN
Tai Tam

And More....


Letters to the Editor
.TERROR IN AMERICA: HONG KONG'S RESPONSE
World mourned, but our leaders did nothing

I wrote to Tung Chee-hwa to ask why Hong Kong did not observe the day of mourning on Friday, September 14, for the tragedy in the United States.
Elsewhere in the world, countries flew their national flags at half mast in an unprecedented show of support in recognition of this suffering.

I had hoped Hong Kong, as my adopted residence and place of business, would shed its unfortunate reputation for paying attention only to matters of money by demonstrating some understanding of and empathy with the world around it.

As a business person operating in Hong Kong, I have accepted this reputation of self-centredness with quiet resignation, but I found the recent lack of respect so disturbing that I felt the need to write to the Chief Executive.

M. R. WITTMAN
Central

[ 22 September 2001: Message edited by: Herb ]

[411A]

Strange. Nothing in the SCMP about CX pilots closing ranks with management in these difficult times. One would think that they actually want CX to fail.
Gosh, could this be true? :eek:

[Vonkprop]

Do you have nothing better to do with your time?

[Herb]

411a
The AOA Committee offered all assistance to Cathay management within 24 hours of the tragic events of Sept 11th. As far a I know the offer wasn't taken up or even replied to. Not the sort of stuff that makes the papers I'm afraid.

[penguin]

Herb:

I still think AOA needs better PR company to help promote its cause. If it was CX management that approached AOA for help but was turned down or ignored by AOA, I am sure it will be published on all the newspaper. Get yourself a professional company, preferably locals, to fight with you!!

[411A]

Penguin certainly has the right idea, Herb, make the system work for the HKAOA, if you want favorable results.
Otherwise, it's DOA again.