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Cathay crew suspended over mysterious oxygen tank ‘tampering’
Cathay Pacific has suspended flight crew and imposed strict new rules as it probes the mystery over empty oxygen bottles on planes.
There have been three incidents of emergency oxygen bottles found to be empty, with Hong Kong police now conducting an investigation for possible ‘tampering.’
Crews working two Cathay Pacific flights which were found to have empty oxygen bottles have been taken off duty, according to the South China Morning Post.
They are off duty pending the outcome of the investigation but have not been accused of wrongdoing.
The oxygen bottles are used for crew to move around the cabin in the event of depressurisation.
It does not impact the emergency oxygen masks found at each passenger seat.
In addition Cathay issued new safety protocols.
"We have further strengthened our security measures to now include preflight, in-flight and post-landing checks for every flight to ensure all emergency equipment is serviceable so that the safety of our crew and passengers is upheld at all times," an airline spokeswoman said.
"Cabin crew are required to carry out checks in the cabin, lavatories and crew rest compartments at least every 60 minutes between services, ensuring no suspicious activity,"
Crew were told to look for ‘abnormal smells, noise or temperature’ in the cabin.
As well as flight crew, ground staff, catering workers, cleaners and mechanics will be included in the investigation.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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