Cathay Group has marked a major achievement by surpassing 100,000 passengers on a single day during its rebuilding phase. On December 15, 2024, Cathay Pacific and HK Express, the two airlines under the Group, carried a total of 100,856 passengers. This milestone underscores the Group’s recovery and efforts to rebuild its operations after years of challenges in the travel sector.
December 15, 2024, was a landmark date for Cathay Group, but it wasn’t an isolated achievement. The Group reported exceeding the 100,000-passenger mark on eight separate occasions during the busy holiday travel period, which concluded on December 31, 2024.
Ronald Lam, Chief Executive Officer of Cathay Group, reflected on this success. “We are thrilled to have concluded the year 2024 on a high note with yet another milestone. The past year saw unprecedented progress and expansion for the Cathay Group, thanks to our people’s dedication and efforts. In particular, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our global frontline teams, who have been working tirelessly over the holiday period to ensure that our customers enjoy a smooth journey as they explore new destinations or reunite with their friends and families during the holidays,” he said.
Lam also emphasized the completion of the Group’s two-year rebuilding phase, during which it prioritized expanding flight options and destinations for its customers. He expressed optimism for the future, stating, “A new chapter has now begun for Cathay.”
Expanding Network and Future Plans
Looking ahead, Cathay Pacific and HK Express are preparing for further expansion in 2025. Cathay Pacific has already resumed seasonal flights to Cairns, Australia, and is planning to launch several new long-haul routes, including Hyderabad in India, Dallas in the United States, and Munich and Brussels in Europe. HK Express recently added Shizuoka, Japan, to its network and will introduce a new service to Sendai, Japan, later this month.
From January 2025, the Group expects its two airlines to reach 100% of pre-pandemic flight operations. Together, Cathay Pacific and HK Express aim to offer passenger services to 100 destinations worldwide by the end of the year, further solidifying the Group’s presence in global travel.
Cathay Group also plays a vital role in Hong Kong’s aviation landscape. With the commissioning of the Three-Runway System at Hong Kong International Airport, the city has entered a new era of connectivity. As Hong Kong’s home airline, Cathay remains committed to connecting the city with the Chinese Mainland and international destinations.
