Cathay Pacific Airways to cut flights
By Kate Linebaugh
Bloomberg News Service
Associated Press
HONG KONG — Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd., Hong Kong's largest carrier, said it will reduce flights as a deadly pneumonia outbreak prompts passengers to cut travel.
A Cathay Pacific Airways ground attendant wears a face mask while checking passengers' tickets in Hong Kong because of concerns over the outbreak of a deadly illness. The World Health Organization urged airlines with international flights to screen passengers.
"We will be reducing some of our schedules," said Tony Tyler, Cathay's director of corporate development. The airline will announce details of the reductions Monday, he said. The Ming Pao daily reported today that Cathay will cut as many as 15 flights.
The new disease, known as severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS, has infected 1,485 people worldwide and killed at least 53, according to the World Health Organization. At least 425 people in Hong Kong have the illness.
Cathay Pacific shares fell 12 percent last week to a six-month low of HK$10.20.
