Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions the Government has had with representatives of (a) Cathay Pacific Airways and (b) the Aircrew Officers Association Europe on Cathay Pacific's proposal to close its Heathrow pilot base.

I have met with representatives from Cathay Pacific Airways to understand the rationale for the base closure and discuss alternative options, including what support could be offered to the pilots who may be affected by the commercial decision the airline is proposing. Moreover, I met with representatives of the Aircrew Officers Association Europe, including pilots who may be directly affected by the closure of the Heathrow pilot base.