The Hong Kong government is reportedly looking to implement a two-week quarantine for flight crew members looking to enter the Asian financial hub as part of tougher measures to contain the increasing number of coronavirus infections.

The cargo arm of flag carrier Cathay Pacific, who will most likely take a big hit should Hong Kong push through with the aircrew quarantine plan, told Asia Cargo News that they are seeking more information about the proposal so they can plan and adjust their operations accordingly.

"We are aware of the Government's intention to tighten quarantine requirements for Hong Kong aircrew in its efforts to control the COVID-19 pandemic," Cathay Pacific's Ronald Lam said. 

"We are now seeking more implementation details, including timing from authorities so that we can plan ahead to minimise the impact on our aircrew, as well as our passenger and cargo services," he added when asked for comment.

The stricter guidelines according to reports would cover incoming pilots and cabin crew that had a layover in any country, ending a longstanding exemption for aircrew members, according to The South China Morning Post earlier, citing sources.

"According to three sources familiar with the plan, the government is considering ordering pilots and cabin crew, including local staff, to quarantine in a hotel if they stay in Hong Kong for more than two hours," the publication wrote Thursday.

"All foreign aircrew are currently required to take designated transport to hotels, isolate in their rooms throughout their stay and pass a Covid-19 test before flying in. Local aircrew is tested on arrival in Hong Kong and have to stay in a hotel for 24 hours while waiting for their results," it added.

Possible impact cited

Steve Fernandez, regional director - Asia Pacific of global aircraft charter provider Air Charter Service (ACS) said the impact of the new measure would be minimal for carriers with lots of crew members — but for most carriers, it could drive operating cost and prompt flights to resort to other airports.

"I guess if you’re an airline that has lots of crew, and those crew are interchangeable amongst your fleet, then you could probably ride this out albeit incurring additional cost," Fernandez told Asia Cargo News. 

But he noted that "most airlines are not in a position of having an excess crew and wholly interchangeable crew across their fleet."

"So if you’re an airline and this ruling means that in flying through Hong Kong you end up with even less pilots because they’re stuck in quarantine, then you lose the ability to operate as many revenue flights (due pilots stuck in quarantine), and the amount of money you want to fly ex Hong Kong needs to increase to cover this new opportunity cost," Fernandez continued. 

"So I would say you’ll see in the market: fewer operations from Hong Kong; those who still operate from Hong Kong wanting more money to do so."

"And the above will inevitably push a proportion of cargo to fly out of other airports e.g. Guangzhou / Shenzhen / Macau," he added, saying that the I believe the Dutch are planning something similar to this plan.

Separately, Joseph Tam, ACS' cargo director - APAC said: "Carrier not doing crew change in HKG now if they [are] operating here anyway."

"As long as crew don't leave the ramp, this shouldn't apply," he added. "I heard [a] similar thing this morning, will dip more if any different impact than before," he said of the possible impact to cargo operations at the world's busiest cargo hub.

A DHL spokesperson said: "DHL Express has business continuity plans in place to ensure that our operations remain sustainable at any given scenario. We also maintain close contact with the authorities and our customers to assess, pre-empt and react as appropriate while adhering to the government-specific health measures."