The Cathay Group reached a landmark achievement this month, celebrating a network of 100 global passenger destinations served by its two airlines – Cathay Pacific and HK Express. The milestone was marked in style on 12 June with a vibrant cocktail reception at Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong.

Hosted by Cathay Group Chair Patrick Healy and CEO Ronald Lam, the event welcomed a host of distinguished guests including Mable Chan, JP, Secretary for Transport and Logistics of the Hong Kong SAR Government, who served as guest of honor.

Three Players, Three Runways, One Hong Kong

Speaking at the celebration, Mable Chan highlighted the achievement not just as a milestone for Cathay, but as a testament to Hong Kong’s aviation prowess.

“This is no small accomplishment,” she said, applauding the collective efforts of the Cathay Group and key stakeholders like the Airport Authority and various government departments. “As Cathay hits the magic 100, so too does Hong Kong International Airport… reach unprecedented heights.”

With the completion of the Three-Runway System at HKIA, the city is now primed for accelerated growth in passenger traffic, cargo, and flight movement.

Cathay’s Rapid Global Expansion

Cathay Group Chair Patrick Healy echoed this sentiment, calling the expansion “unprecedented” in the company’s near 80-year history.

“We’ve added 30 new passenger destinations in the past two years alone – 18 just this year – and we’ve reached 100 destinations ahead of schedule,” said Healy.

He also announced the most ambitious investment program in Cathay’s history – over HK$100 billion is being poured into upgrading the fleet, cabin products, lounges, and digital services. It’s a bold move, one Healy says reaffirms Cathay’s commitment to becoming one of the world’s greatest service brands and an essential player in Hong Kong’s global aviation hub.

From 58 to 100,000 Passengers a Day

Reflecting on the journey, CEO Ronald Lam shared a striking contrast from just three years ago.

“In March 2022, we carried only 58 passengers in a day. Today, we’re consistently carrying over 100,000 every single day,” he said. “From three destinations to 100 – what an incredible journey.”

Lam credited this dramatic turnaround to the relentless dedication of Cathay’s teams and the strong partnership with the Hong Kong government and aviation authorities.

Eyes on the Skies: What’s Next?

This summer, Cathay Pacific and HK Express will offer over 300 weekly return flights to 23 destinations in Mainland China, alongside robust services to North America, Europe, and the Southwest Pacific. Cathay Pacific alone will operate:

– 110+ weekly return flights to 8 North American cities
– Nearly 100 weekly return flights to 12 European destinations during the peak of summer
– 90 weekly return flights to 8 destinations in the Southwest Pacific by winter

New Destinations on the Horizon

The milestone comes alongside an exciting rollout of 18 new routes planned for 2025. These include fresh links to Japan, Europe, Southeast Asia and Australia.

A Shared Journey Forward

As Cathay continues to soar, its leaders remain grounded in their mission: to grow hand-in-hand with Hong Kong’s international aviation hub and offer passengers more choice, better connectivity, and world-class service.

With three runways, two airlines, and one shared vision – Cathay’s next 100 destinations might just be around the corner.

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