Hong Kong

PILOTS of Hong Kong flag carrier Cathay Pacific were due to start work-to-rule action on Thursday after long-running pay talks broke down, raising the prospect of delays and cancellations in the run-up to Christmas. Union leaders announced the move - which will see pilots work only their contractual hours - as the latest round of negotiations with airline management over pay and working hours failed.

"It is unfortunate that a year of negotiations has brought us to this point," said Chris Beebe, general secretary of the Hong Kong Aircrew Officers Association (HKAOA).