Cathay Pacific, HK Express surpass 100 global passenger destinations, investing over HKD100B in upgrades

Cathay Group hits 100 passenger destinations milestone
Cathay Pacific and HK Express have collectively achieved a milestone of 100 global passenger destinations, according to the Cathay Group. The announcement was made during a cocktail reception at Island Shangri-La in Hong Kong, celebrating the network expansion reached earlier than expected.

Mable Chan, Secretary for Transport and Logistics of Hong Kong, noted that this achievement reinforces Hong Kong’s status as a global aviation hub. “As Cathay hits the magic 100, so too does Hong Kong International Airport and Hong Kong as an international aviation hub reach unprecedented heights,” she said.


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The growth is supported by the implementation of the Three-Runway System, commissioned in late 2024, which has enabled a significant rise in passenger traffic, cargo volumes, and flight movements at Hong Kong International Airport.

Cathay Pacific Chairman Patrick Healy stated that the group has expanded rapidly in the past two years, adding 30 new destinations, 18 of which were introduced in 2025. “That rate of network expansion is at an unprecedented level for Cathay, and that has allowed it to reach this milestone of 100 destinations ahead of schedule,” Healy said.

Cathay invests HKD100 billion in fleet and services
The Cathay Group is currently undertaking its largest investment initiative, valued at over HKD100 billion. This program covers upgrades to its fleet, cabin interiors, airport lounges, and digital platforms. Healy emphasized the importance of this investment in aligning with the infrastructure improvements at Hong Kong International Airport.

“Cathay has to continue to invest and it is important that it takes full advantage of the new Three-Runway System,” Healy said during the event.

The investment supports Cathay’s long-term strategic goal of maintaining its competitiveness and enhancing passenger experience as it grows its global footprint. The current expansion is one of the most rapid in the airline’s nearly 80-year history.

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Cathay Pacific (00293.HK) closed down 0.971 per cent in recent trading. The airline recorded a short-selling volume of HKD52.32 million, with a short-selling ratio of 34.825 per cent as of June 13, 2025.

Cathay Pacific’s continued network and service expansion reflects broader momentum in Hong Kong’s aviation industry, as passenger and cargo movements rise in tandem with infrastructure development.