Pilot accused of throwing nuts sacked
EXCLUSIVE by ADAM LUCK
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David Turnbull: controversial
A senior Cathay Pacific pilot was sacked after allegedly throwing nuts at the company's chief executive in a bar.
Captain Scott Munro was dismissed following a disciplinary hearing just days after David Turnbull, also Cathay Pacific's deputy chairman, accused him of showering him with nuts.
The incident is believed to have happened at the Dakota bar in Cathay's private Headland Hotel, close to Chek Lap Kok airport, late last month.
Captain Munro was seated at a table in the bar with several colleagues when the confrontation occurred, according to airline sources.
One industry insider, who preferred to remain anonymous, said: "Turnbull came in and was sitting at another table. Munro threw some monkey nuts up in the air and some landed close to Turnbull.
"Turnbull came over to the table and demanded to know the names of the men at the table to find out who had thrown them," the insider said.
After the alleged confrontation, Captain Munro was brought before a disciplinary hearing and sacked last week.
The incident has provoked widespread controversy within the company and has been the subject of intense debate on independent Web sites used by airline staff.
Mr Turnbull told the South China Morning Post: "He [Captain Munro] was dismissed for throwing things at me. We have to operate a disciplined company and you do not throw things at the chief executive."
Captain Munro, who is in his 40s, is understood to have returned to his home in Australia and is believed to be considering launching an appeal against his sacking.
Cathay's conditions of service are understood to state that employment can be terminated if an officer is found guilty of any conduct, on or off duty, which is prejudicial to the interests, good name and reputation of the airline.
Mr Turnbull has been a figure of controversy within the airline since instigating mass cutbacks in 1998 and becoming locked in a series of staff disputes.
Aircrew posting online messages were divided over the decision to dismiss Captain Munro.
One e-mailer to the aircrew Web site wrote: "Is it true someone threw peanuts at Turnbull? If so, whilst I disagree with any form of violence, one must wonder just how far morale has fallen in this company for it to happen. Where will it all end? Let's hope nothing gets broken but a few monstrous egos."
Another e-mailer wrote: "The perpetrator should have been a little wiser, especially as our contract has a clause of summary dismissal for gross insubordination."
Cathay Pacific confirmed that Captain Munro had not yet lodged an appeal.
Mr Turnbull said of the pilot's behaviour: "He's the captain of the ship. It's not what you expect of him . . . If cabin crew did that to a passenger they would be dismissed."
Alan Wong, Cathay's corporate communications general manager, said: "This is a strictly internal matter between an employee and his company.
"Like any large organisation, we have disciplinary procedures which, as in this case, have been fully above board and in line with established guidelines."
Hong Kong Aircrew Officers' Association general secretary John Findlay refused to comment.
My 2 cents worth,
1. I thought Tung was the Chief executive?
2. to all the south stand offenders at sevens last week does throwing beer, blow up sheep, and the lot create the opportunity to get you the sack?