Cathay Pacific 1998 Annual Report Download - page 13

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1998 In Review
11
CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT 1998
Information Technology
Cathay Pacific continues to invest in new information technology systems to streamline business
processes.
•Cathay Pacific introduced an integrated communications network to better link its staff and offices in
80 countries. Called GalaCXy, the new network enhances the airline’s efficiency and customer
service.
•The Company has been undertaking a comprehensive programme to achieve Year 2000 compliance
for its business-critical systems.
The People
Staff at Cathay Pacific have benefited from the Company’s move to a brand-new headquarters
complex which provides an improved working environment. Transportation to the new complex has
been assisted through travel subsidies and the introduction of more company bus services.
•The phased move of Cathay Pacific staff to our new headquarters at Chek Lap Kok began in June
1998 and will soon be completed.
•Recruitment and training of Hong Kong cadet pilots continue with almost 100 now flying as First or
Second Officers.
•Efforts to involve staff in making Cathay Pacific more efficient include a “Your Ideas Scheme”, with
each winner being given a prize equivalent to the market value of 1,000 Cathay Pacific shares.
The Community and the Environment
Cathay Pacific’s community assistance programme has been maintained despite the pressure on
cost management throughout the Company. The focus has again been on youth and the environment.
•An open day was held in May 1998 to give the people of Hong Kong the opportunity to view Cathay
Pacific’s first B777-300.
•50 underprivileged children participated in the airport opening with a trip to Manila CX907 on the
first commercial flight out of the airport.
•The annual Change for Good programme ran from July until the end of 1998. More than HK$3.6
million was raised for the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). Change for Good encourages
passengers to donate small change in the foreign currency they bring back from their travels.
•Cathay Pacific continued its contribution in the fight against drug abuse through the Life Education
Activity Programme (“LEAP”), targeted at children and adolescents. The airline donated HK$2.2
million to LEAP during 1998.
•Cathay Pacific’s Environmental Pioneer Programme began in January 1998. More than 500
youngsters have participated in the first two years of the programme.
•The International Lapalala Wilderness Experience Programme was conducted for the fifth year with
children from nine countries sponsored to attend a week-long course at South Africa’s Lapalala
Wilderness School.
•Cathay Pacific staff in Hong Kong contributed more than HK$82,500 during the 1998 Dress Casual
Day in support of The Community Chest.
•For the 13th year, Cathay Pacific was the major sponsor of the Hong Kong Squash Open, which
attracted many of the world’s best squash players.