Cathay Pacific passenger flights originate from Hong Kong and fly into two ports in Canada – Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ). Cargo flights also originate from Hong Kong and fly to Toronto (YYZ). The company’s airport, engineering and cargo departments operate out of facilities and offices at the respective airports in leased premises.

The Canadian head office for Cathay Pacific is in Vancouver, BC, in a building owned by the BC Teachers’ Federation (BCTF). The head office does not provide any services to the public and does not have a public access counter or reception area. Access to the office is restricted by key card for the use of employees only. The landlord is responsible for maintenance and accessibility of the building which includes, accessible parking spaces, accessibility within and around the building and accessible washrooms. The company will work collaboratively with the landlord to identify and remove any physical barriers through employee feedback and periodic assessments of the physical spaces. The company’s Vancouver head office had undergone renovation in 2018/2019 and every workstation was fitted with adjustable sit-stand desks.

As a foreign air carrier, Cathay Pacific does not have jurisdiction over certain areas such as airport terminals that our flights operate in and out of. However, we are committed to working closely with all relevant stakeholders who have an impact on the air travel journey of our passengers to improve accessibility. Cathay Pacific passengers flying into Canada can request any special assistance they may require prior to their flights by contacting the company prior to the flight or upon check-in at the airport. Any accessibility feedback received regarding the physical spaces or barriers that are not managed directly by the company will be communicated to the relevant stakeholder/landlord to address and rectify, jointly if applicable.

Barriers

A physical barrier was identified through the Employee Accessibility Survey for the Vancouver head office. The front glass entrance door is not easily accessible and can be difficult to open because of the door sensor and weight of the door. There is no power operator on the door, and this creates a barrier in entering the office for people with disabilities.
The washrooms on the 5th floor of the Vancouver head office do not have power door operators which pose a barrier for people with physical disabilities to enter and use the washroom without difficulty. All washrooms on the other floors of the Vancouver head office are accessible.

Actions and timelines

2023:

Work with the Vancouver Head Office landlord to address the issue of the inaccessible 5th floor glass door and create plan to rectify.
Engage with Vancouver Head Office landlord to receive updates regarding the washroom renovation and power door operator installation to improve accessibility.

2024:

Throughout 2024, Cathay Pacific will conduct periodic assessments of the physical work locations and solicit feedback from employees with disabilities regarding the functioning of physical spaces.

2025:

Review accessibility for evacuation and emergency plans in collaboration with the landlords of the various locations. Implement supports and plans for employees or visitors with disabilities in case of emergencies.