Cathay Pacific chairman John Slosar steps down

Hong Kong-based airline Cathay Pacific said on Wednesday that the company's current chairman John Slosar will retire after the company concludes its board meeting on Nov. 6 and will be replaced by Patrick Healy.

Cathay Pacific's chairman John Slosar attends a press conference following the release of the company's annual results in Hong Kong, March 13, 2019. [Photo: AFP]

Healy joined the Swire Group, the parent company of Cathay Pacific in 1988. He is now a director of Swire Coca-Cola Limited, and also director of John Swire & Sons (H.K.) Limited and a non-executive director of Swire Properties Limited.

Healy ensured that the airline will focus relentlessly on safety, on enhancing the travel experiences of customers, on being efficient, and on competing effectively so as to create positive business performance.

"Despite current challenges, I am confident in the future of Hong Kong and Cathay Pacific will remain fully committed to this great city as Asia's key aviation hub," said Healy.

Cathay Pacific confirmed on Tuesday that the company has suspended some members of its cabin crew following portable oxygen bottles on three flights found to be discharged. The company has launched an internal investigation into the matter, and reported the cases to the Hong Kong civil aviation department and the police.

Cathay Pacific said that portable oxygen bottles on two flights from Toronto to Hong Kong and one flight from Bali to Hong Kong were found to be discharged or partially discharged.

The airline recently dismissed employees involved in riot activities and replaced executives in response to rising concerns about the security of its flights.