To all those apologists and hero worshippers of IW, are all the pax onboard aware of his intention of doing such a flypast. Did they agree to participate in it? Had there been a mishap ( don't tell me a great pilot in CX like him can execute such a flypast without mishap, you say...what about the A320 and A330 prangs years ago? ) what will be the insurance cover be like since it was not authorised by the company and HKCAD? Had any of the pax updated their wills prior to this flypast?
Innocent people onboard and on the ground should not be at risk to satisfy the whims of an overrated skygod on an ego trip to impress his bosses or others ever willing to watch such cheap thrills. If you like stunts, go to an airshow!
In my experience, fleet managers and chief pilots make the most dangerous captains. They think they can get away with everything and think that hopping onto the sim and practising endlessly, they are immuned to murphy's law.
IMHO, the punishment was overboard but that DOES NOT to excuse his stupidity and ego trip.