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About Cathay Pacific Airways

A Quick Overview of Cathay Pacific Airways

Cathay Pacific Airways Limited is the flag carrier of Hong Kong, headquartered at Cathay City, on the grounds of Hong Kong International Airport (HKG). Established on September 24, 1946, by Australian Sydney H. de Kantzow and American Roy C. Farrell, Cathay Pacific has grown into one of the world’s leading international airlines, renowned for its premium service, modern fleet, and extensive network. As a founding member of the Oneworld alliance, it operates over 90 destinations in more than 35 countries across Asia, Europe, North America, Africa, and Oceania, carrying approximately 21 million passengers annually (2024 estimate). With a slogan of “Move Beyond,” Cathay Pacific emphasizes innovation, sustainability, and delivering a superior customer experience infused with Hong Kong’s vibrant spirit. The airline is part of the Swire Group and owns subsidiaries like Cathay Pacific Cargo, Air Hong Kong, and a stake in Hong Kong Express (HK Express).

History

Cathay Pacific began with a single Douglas DC-3, named Betsy, operating flights from Hong Kong to Manila, Bangkok, and Sydney. Initially a small regional carrier, it expanded rapidly in the 1950s and 1960s, acquiring its first jet, a Convair 880, in 1962. The name “Cathay” reflects the historical term for China, symbolizing its ambition to connect East and West. The Swire Group became a majority shareholder in 1948, shaping its growth.

Key milestones include:

  • 1970s–1980s: Introduced Boeing 747s and expanded to Europe and North America, establishing Hong Kong as a global hub.
  • 1998: Moved to the new Hong Kong International Airport at Chek Lap Kok, opening its headquarters, Cathay City.
  • 1999: Co-founded the Oneworld alliance with American Airlines, British Airways, and Qantas.
  • 2006: Acquired Dragonair (rebranded as Cathay Dragon, discontinued in 2020), strengthening regional routes.
  • 2016: Launched a refreshed brand with a new livery and the slogan “Move Beyond.”
  • 2020: Faced severe financial losses (HK$21.6 billion) due to COVID-19, reducing operations to 2% of capacity. The Hong Kong government provided a HK$39 billion bailout, taking a 6% stake.
  • 2021: Integrated Air Hong Kong (a DHL joint venture) and expanded cargo operations, mitigating passenger revenue losses.
  • 2023: Returned to profitability (HK$9.2 billion net profit) and resumed pre-COVID capacity, launching routes to Riyadh and restarting services to Barcelona.
  • 2024: Ordered 30 Airbus A330-900s with options for 30 more, and took delivery of additional A350s. Expanded codeshares with Japan Airlines and Iberia.
  • 2025: Announced plans for new First Class suites on Boeing 777-9s (delivery 2026) and expanded regional routes, including increased frequencies to Singapore and Tokyo.