FedEx closes Hong Kong crew base

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Transport and logistics provider FedEx has confirmed it will close its Hong Kong crew base, although other business operations will remain.

Citing the pandemic restrictions in Hong Kong as part of the reason to close its crew base in Hong Kong. FedEx said in a statement, "As the global business environment continues to evolve and with the pandemic requirements in Hong Kong, FedEx has made the decision to close its Hong Kong crew base and relocate its pilots."

However, the company said it would keep other business operations in Hong Kong.

"FedEx will continue to maintain its operations in Hong Kong, which is vital to our Asia Pacific and global network," the statement said. "We continue to operate and serve our customers in this important market with the safety and wellbeing of our team members as our top priority."

FedEx currently has a few hubs across APAC.

The FedEx Asia Pacific regional hub is located at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport in Guangdong, China. It is complemented by FedEx sub-regional hubs which include the South Pacific hub in Singapore, the North Pacific Hub in Kansai International Airport at Osaka in Japan, and the FedEx Shanghai International Express and Cargo Hub located at Shanghai Pudong International Airport.

In a statement, the company said: "Each of these hubs play a distinct role in our comprehensive regional and global network, giving FedEx customers reliable access to international markets."

On the relocation for staff involved, a FedEx spokesperson shared with HRO: "Crew base locations and associated fleet planning decisions remain under constant review. We remain fully engaged with our crew members in supporting them with the relocation process."

FedEx has also shared in a statement: "We are fully engaged with our crew members in providing support for the relocation process, and we are proud of the way our entire FedEx team has continued to operate through difficult circumstances to keep the global supply chain moving around the world."

Strict border and quarantine controls as Hong Kong pursues a zero-COVID policy has it risking being left behind in the region as counterparts Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand transition to a more flexible COVID-19 policy in order to open up to international travel.

The news comes the same day as Hong Kong American Chamber of Commerce Tara Joseph announced her resignation. She said she couldn't advocate for easing quarantine restrictions while undergoing the 21-day mandatory quarantine in the city. "It is not in my nature to advocate on something, and then embark on quarantine like a stooge," she told Reuters.

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