China says crew information submitted by Cathay Pacific meets requirements
BEIJING (Reuters) - China's aviation regulator said on Thursday that identification information submitted so far by Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd for its crew meets requirements.
The airline became embroiled in crosswinds between Beijing and pro-democracy groups in the Asian financial hub after some of its employees took part in the Hong Kong protests.
On Friday, the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) ordered Cathay to provide identification information for its crew on mainland-bound flights and those using Chinese airspace, which include many flights to Europe and North America.
"Cathay Pacific submitted the identification information for its crew members on flights to and over mainland on time. After review, the identification information for its crew meets the requirements laid out in the safety warning," Gu Xiaohong, an official with the CAAC told a monthly briefing.
Crew members that have not gained the authority's approval will not be allowed into its airspace, including on flights bound for other destinations.
Cathay said in a statement that it had submitted a report to CAAC on extra steps it was taking as was required. "We strictly abide by the rules and regulations of all regulators that have jurisdiction over us," the airline said.
Cathay shares were trading up 4.7% at 0300 GMT, the second day of gains following earlier falls to 10-year lows.
On Wednesday, Cathay terminated the employment of two pilots over their involvement in protests in Hong Kong, after being ordered by the CAAC to suspend personnel who had engaged in illegal protests.
Cathay and its top shareholder and manager, Swire Pacific Ltd, placed advertisements on Wednesday in the Hong Kong Economic Journal in support of the Hong Kong government and its efforts to restore law and order.
(Reporting by Stella Qiu and Brenda Goh; Additional reporting by Jamie Freed; Editing by Himani Sarkar)
