The head of the Hong Kong-based airline, Cathay Pacific, has resigned.

The carrier said on Friday that Rupert Hogg's departure was part of "senior management changes".

Augustus Tang has been appointed as its new chief executive officer.

Changes have also been made to the role of chief customer and commercial officer at the airline.

Mr Hogg's resignation comes amid continung unrest in the territory, with protesors calling for more democracy and criticising police.

The South China Morning Post reports that four others members of Cathay staff were fired for taking part in, or in relation to, the demonstrations.

China had accused the carrier of not doing enough to rein in its workers.

Cathay Pacific Airways planes are seen at the Hong Kong International Airport | Image: Vincent Thian/AP/Press Association Images

Its business and stock price were also hit, after hundreds of its flights were cancelled when protesters overran the airport.

Cathay's stock has been falling almost continuously since late July.

The board of directors of Cathay Pacific said it had "accepted the resignation of Rupert Hogg" and chief customer and commercial officer Paul Loo.

The chairman of Cathay Pacific, John Slosar, said in a statement: "Augustus Tang and Ronald Lam have the experience and depth of knowledge of aviation and our people to be strong and effective leaders of Cathay Pacific at this sensitive time.

"Hong Kong is a fantastic home for our airline.

"It is a world class city and has a premium airport which is the biggest international passenger and cargo hub in Asia.

"Cathay Pacific has a relentless focus on standards of safety and care, and an unrivalled reputation for customer service."

Main image: Cathay Pacific CEO Rupert Hogg (right) and Chairman John Slosar attend a news conference in 2017 | Image: Kin Cheung/AP/Press Association Images