HONG KONG — Cathay Pacific is asking its 27,000 employees to take three weeks of unpaid leave while the Hong Kong carrier struggles with plunging revenue due to China’s ***** outbreak.

On Feb. 4 Cathay announced a 90% reduction in flight capacity to mainland China.

The ******* cut 30% of its worldwide capacity for two months.

Employees were asked to take “special leave” some time between March 1 and June 30, a Cathay statement said.

“Preserving cash is the key to protecting our business,” the ******* said.

The ******* used similar “special leave” in 2009 and during the 2003 outbreak of ****, which also led to cuts in flights.

“I am appealing to each and everyone one of you to help,” said Tang.

Source: The Associated Press