Cathay Pacific announced it is re-establishing a dedicated-Director Cargo position and named Tom Owen for the job as the airline noted that cargo "continues to be a vital part" of its business.

Ronald Lam, chief customer & commercial officer, said in June, cargo performance remained strong contrary to passenger traffic that continued to be constrained by quarantine measures around the world "hampering" recovery.

Lam said the airline operated only 4% of its normal passenger flight capacity that month and as it awaits an improvement in the pandemic situation — and a consequent loosening of travel restrictions, Cathay Pacific is parking around 1/3 of its passenger fleet at overseas locations with drier conditions to keep the grounded planes in optimal condition.

"Our freighters continue to operate round the clock and we have been using our passenger aircraft to operate thousands of cargo-only flights to keep supply chains moving and deliver essential medical and consumer supplies," Lam said in a statement.

He noted that joining Cathay Pacific's freighter fleet in July were two B-777 passenger aircraft modified to serve as full-cabin load 'preighters'.

"Cargo continues to be a vital part of our business; ever more so in this operating environment. We are therefore re-establishing a dedicated Director Cargo position on our senior leadership team as we aim to become the most customer-centric air cargo services provider in the world," Lam said.

He noted that Owen, who has been tapped for the position, has previously served at Cathay Pacific as Director People for the past five years. He has also held various senior positions at the airline as well as at other Swire Group companies.

As part of the airline's annual management rotations, Lam said Nelson Chin will assume the role of Regional General Manager North-East Asia to be based in Tokyo. He was formerly the GM Cargo Commercial.  

George Edmunds, meanwhile, will take over his position, from being Head of Revenue Management Operations for Cathay's passenger business. 

Both Owen and Edmunds will join the team in September.