Cathay Pacific
Cathay Pacific Airways is an international airline based in Hong Kong. It operates passenger and cargo services from its principal hub at Hong Kong International Airport.[1]
The airline is part of the Cathay Group, whose businesses include Cathay Pacific, Cathay Cargo, the low-cost carrier HK Express and Cathay Lifestyle.[2]
Cathay Pacific uses the IATA code CX, the ICAO code CPA, and the callsign CATHAY.[3]
Cathay Pacific was founded in Hong Kong in 1946 by Australian pilot Sydney de Kantzow and American pilot Roy Farrell. The airline began with a Douglas DC-3 named Betsy and developed from a small regional carrier into a major international airline.[4]
Cathay Pacific was one of the founding members of the Oneworld airline alliance, which began operating in 1999.[5]
History
Foundation
Cathay Pacific was founded on 24 September 1946 by Sydney de Kantzow and Roy Farrell.
The two pilots had previously flown cargo services across Asia. An early freight flight between Australia and China contributed to their decision to establish a permanent airline in Hong Kong.[6]
The airline's first aircraft was a Douglas DC-3 named Betsy.
Early services connected Hong Kong with destinations including:
Manila
Bangkok
Singapore
Shanghai
Sydney
Operations during the airline's earliest years included both passenger and cargo services.
Meaning of the name
The name Cathay was historically used as a name for China.
The word Pacific reflected the founders' ambition to operate services across the Pacific Ocean.
The airline was established in Hong Kong after restrictions prevented the founders from developing their planned operation from Shanghai.
Early fleet
Cathay Pacific initially operated Douglas DC-3 aircraft.
The airline expanded its fleet after the Second World War with aircraft including:
Douglas DC-3
Douglas DC-4
Douglas DC-6
Consolidated PBY Catalina
The Douglas DC-4 allowed Cathay Pacific to carry more passengers and operate longer routes than the DC-3.
Swire Group investment
The Swire Group acquired a significant interest in Cathay Pacific during the airline's early development.
Swire provided capital, management experience and commercial support that allowed the airline to expand its network and fleet.
Cathay Pacific became closely associated with John Swire & Sons, whose Hong Kong-listed subsidiary Swire Pacific remains a major shareholder.
Regional expansion
Cathay Pacific developed an extensive regional network during the 1950s.
Services connected Hong Kong with destinations in:
Southeast Asia
Japan
South Korea
Taiwan
Australia
Hong Kong's position between East Asia and Southeast Asia supported the airline's development as a connecting carrier.
Lockheed Electra
Cathay Pacific introduced the Lockheed L-188 Electra in 1959.
The turboprop aircraft was larger and faster than the piston-powered aircraft it replaced.
Cathay Pacific's Electras introduced separate First Class and Economy Class cabins to the airline.[6]
The type was used on important regional routes before the fleet became fully jet-powered.
Convair 880
Cathay Pacific acquired its first Convair 880 jet aircraft in 1962.
The type allowed the airline to reduce journey times and compete more effectively on regional international routes.
By 1967, Cathay Pacific operated an entirely jet-powered fleet consisting of Convair 880 aircraft.[4]
The Convair fleet served destinations across Asia and supported the airline's continuing expansion.
Boeing 707
Cathay Pacific introduced the Boeing 707 during the 1970s.
The aircraft provided greater range than the Convair 880 and allowed the airline to develop longer-distance services.
Boeing 707 passenger and converted freighter aircraft were used by Cathay Pacific.
Boeing 747
Cathay Pacific introduced the Boeing 747 during the late 1970s.
The wide-body aircraft transformed the airline's capacity and international reach.
Cathay Pacific operated several versions of the Boeing 747, including:
Boeing 747-200
Boeing 747-300
Boeing 747-400
Boeing 747-400F
Boeing 747-8F
The passenger Boeing 747 became closely associated with Cathay Pacific's long-haul expansion.
The airline's final passenger Boeing 747 service was operated in October 2016.
Boeing 747 freighters continue to play an important role in Cathay Cargo's network.
Long-haul expansion
The Boeing 747 allowed Cathay Pacific to expand beyond its established regional network.
Services were developed to destinations in:
Europe
North America
Australia
The Middle East
London became one of the airline's most important long-haul destinations.
The airline initially operated some longer routes with intermediate stops before aircraft range improvements allowed more non-stop services.
Hong Kong–London services
Cathay Pacific began operating services between Hong Kong and London during the 1980s.
The route developed into one of the airline's most prominent international markets.
London services were initially operated through intermediate destinations before later aircraft allowed non-stop flights.
Cathay Pacific has used aircraft including the Boeing 747, Boeing 777 and Airbus A350 on the route.
Dragonair
Cathay Pacific acquired a significant interest in the Hong Kong regional airline Dragonair during the 1990s.
The relationship gave Cathay Pacific greater access to mainland Chinese destinations.
Cathay Pacific acquired full control of Dragonair in 2006.
The airline was renamed Cathay Dragon in 2016 and adopted branding more closely aligned with Cathay Pacific.
Cathay Dragon ceased operations in October 2020. Most of its routes and selected aircraft were transferred to Cathay Pacific.
Oneworld
Cathay Pacific was one of the founding members of the Oneworld airline alliance.
The founding airlines included:
American Airlines
British Airways
Canadian Airlines
Cathay Pacific
Qantas
Oneworld began operating in 1999.
Alliance membership provides coordinated connections and reciprocal passenger benefits across participating airlines.[5]
Hong Kong International Airport
Cathay Pacific transferred its principal operation from Kai Tak Airport to the new Hong Kong International Airport in July 1998.
The new airport was constructed on Chek Lap Kok and provided substantially more capacity than Kai Tak.
The move allowed Cathay Pacific to expand its passenger and cargo operations.
Hong Kong International Airport remains the centre of the airline's network, maintenance activities and corporate operations.
Cathay City
Cathay Pacific opened its headquarters complex, Cathay City, near Hong Kong International Airport in 1998.
The complex contains:
Corporate offices
Flight-training facilities
Crew facilities
Operational departments
Staff accommodation
Training rooms
Its location provides direct access to the airline's principal hub.
Asian financial crisis
Cathay Pacific was affected by reduced passenger demand during the Asian financial crisis of the late 1990s.
The airline adjusted capacity and expenditure in response to weaker regional economic conditions.
Its long-haul network and Hong Kong hub remained important parts of the recovery.
Airbus A330
Cathay Pacific introduced the Airbus A330 during the 1990s.
The aircraft became an important part of its regional and medium-haul fleet.
Cathay Pacific has used the A330 on routes throughout Asia and to selected destinations in Australia, the Middle East and other regions.
The type provided greater capacity than narrow-body aircraft while remaining suitable for shorter services than the airline's larger long-haul aircraft.
Boeing 777
Cathay Pacific introduced the Boeing 777 during the 1990s.
The airline later became a major operator of the Boeing 777-300ER.
The type replaced some Boeing 747 services and became one of the principal aircraft used on long-haul routes.
Cathay Pacific has operated:
Boeing 777-200
Boeing 777-300
Boeing 777-300ER
The airline has also ordered Boeing 777-9 aircraft for future delivery.
SARS outbreak
Cathay Pacific was severely affected by the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome, commonly known as SARS, in 2003.
Demand for travel to and from Hong Kong declined sharply.
The airline reduced capacity and temporarily grounded aircraft.
Operations recovered after the outbreak was brought under control and travel demand returned.
Air China shareholding
Cathay Pacific and Air China developed a strategic cross-shareholding relationship during the 2000s.
Air China became a major shareholder in Cathay Pacific, while Cathay Pacific acquired an interest in Air China.
The companies also developed commercial cooperation covering selected routes and services.
Cargo development
Hong Kong's role as a major trading and logistics centre supported the expansion of Cathay Pacific's cargo operation.
The airline developed a dedicated freighter network using Boeing aircraft.
Cargo aircraft operated during its history have included:
Boeing 707 freighter
Boeing 747-200F
Boeing 747-400F
Boeing 747-400ERF
Boeing 747-8F
Cathay Cargo also uses the hold capacity of Cathay Pacific passenger aircraft.
Airbus A350
Cathay Pacific introduced the Airbus A350-900 in 2016.
The aircraft was followed by the larger Airbus A350-1000.
The A350 became an important part of the airline's long-haul and medium-haul fleet.
Cathay Pacific operates:
Airbus A350-900
Airbus A350-1000
The aircraft are used on routes to destinations across Europe, North America, Australia and Asia.
Airbus A321neo
Cathay Pacific introduced the Airbus A321neo into commercial service in 2021.
The aircraft is used on regional routes within Asia.
Its introduction followed the closure of Cathay Dragon and allowed Cathay Pacific to operate selected lower-capacity services directly.
The aircraft features three passenger cabins:
Business
Premium Economy
Economy
HK Express acquisition
Cathay Pacific completed the acquisition of the Hong Kong low-cost carrier HK Express in 2019.
HK Express continued operating under its own brand and air operator certificate.
The acquisition gave the Cathay Group a dedicated low-cost airline serving destinations across Asia.
HK Express is wholly owned by Cathay Pacific.[7]
COVID-19 pandemic
Cathay Pacific was severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and Hong Kong's border restrictions.
Passenger demand declined dramatically as entry controls and quarantine requirements restricted travel.
The airline:
Suspended numerous routes
Grounded aircraft
Reduced employment
Closed Cathay Dragon
Operated cargo-only passenger flights
Stored aircraft outside Hong Kong
Raised additional capital
Cathay Pacific continued operating cargo services throughout the pandemic.
The airline progressively rebuilt its passenger network as Hong Kong removed travel restrictions.
Recapitalisation
Cathay Pacific announced a major recapitalisation plan in 2020.
The plan involved support from the Hong Kong government and the airline's existing shareholders.
The financing was intended to provide liquidity while passenger operations remained heavily restricted.
Network recovery
Cathay Pacific began restoring passenger capacity after Hong Kong removed major travel restrictions.
The airline resumed suspended destinations and increased frequencies across its network.
Recruitment programmes were introduced for:
Pilots
Cabin crew
Airport employees
Customer-service employees
Engineering staff
The Cathay Group subsequently returned to profitability as passenger demand recovered.
Eightieth anniversary
Cathay Pacific marked its eightieth anniversary in 2026.
The airline published material celebrating its development from a small regional operation into an international airline group.[6]
Anniversary activities included heritage content and aircraft designs inspired by earlier Cathay Pacific liveries.
Corporate affairs
Cathay Pacific Airways Limited
Cathay Pacific is operated by Cathay Pacific Airways Limited.
The company is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
Its principal activities include passenger transportation, cargo, aviation services and investments in associated businesses.
Cathay Group
The Cathay Group operates across four principal lines of business:
Cathay Pacific
Cathay Cargo
HK Express
Cathay Lifestyle
The group describes itself as a Hong Kong-based premium travel lifestyle business.[2]
Ownership
Swire Pacific and Air China are Cathay Pacific's principal strategic shareholders.
The shareholder structure also includes public investors.
Swire has been involved in Cathay Pacific's management and development for much of the airline's history.
Headquarters
Cathay Pacific is headquartered at Cathay City on the grounds of Hong Kong International Airport.
Its principal flight operations, engineering, cargo and training activities are concentrated around the airport.
Management
Cathay Pacific has a group chief executive and executive management team responsible for the wider Cathay Group.
The board includes representatives associated with principal shareholders and independent directors.
Principal businesses
| Operation | Role |
| Cathay Pacific | Full-service passenger airline |
| Cathay Cargo | Cargo business |
| HK Express | Low-cost passenger airline |
| Cathay Lifestyle | Retail, dining and lifestyle services |
| Cathay Pacific Services | Cargo-terminal operations |
| Hong Kong Airport Services | Airport ground handling |
Hong Kong International Airport
Hong Kong International Airport is Cathay Pacific's principal hub.
The airport supports connections between destinations across:
Mainland China
Northeast Asia
Southeast Asia
South Asia
Australia
Europe
North America
The Middle East
Africa
Cathay Pacific operates passenger, cargo, maintenance and training facilities at the airport.
The hub's location allows the airline to connect regional flights with long-haul departures.
Route network
Cathay Pacific operates an international network centred on Hong Kong.
Its passenger services cover destinations across:
Asia
Europe
North America
Australia
New Zealand
The Middle East
Africa
The Cathay Group's passenger airlines serve more than 100 destinations across multiple territories.[5]
Mainland China
Mainland China is an important part of Cathay Pacific's network.
Cathay Pacific and HK Express operate services linking Hong Kong with major mainland cities.
Destinations have included:
Beijing
Shanghai
Chengdu
Chongqing
Guangzhou
Hangzhou
Nanjing
Qingdao
Wuhan
Xiamen
The closure of Cathay Dragon transferred several mainland routes to Cathay Pacific.
Asia
Cathay Pacific serves major business and leisure destinations across Asia.
These have included:
Bangkok
Delhi
Ho Chi Minh City
Jakarta
Kuala Lumpur
Manila
Mumbai
Seoul
Singapore
Taipei
Tokyo
Regional routes are operated using Airbus A321neo, Airbus A330 and selected wide-body aircraft.
Europe
Cathay Pacific's European destinations have included:
Amsterdam
Frankfurt
London
Madrid
Manchester
Milan
Munich
Paris
Rome
Zürich
London Heathrow is one of the airline's most important long-haul destinations.
European routes are generally operated using Airbus A350 or Boeing 777 aircraft.
North America
Cathay Pacific operates services between Hong Kong and destinations in the United States and Canada.
Destinations have included:
Boston
Chicago
Dallas
Los Angeles
New York
San Francisco
Toronto
Vancouver
The airline uses Airbus A350 and Boeing 777 aircraft on these services.
Australia and New Zealand
Cathay Pacific has maintained services between Hong Kong and Australia for several decades.
Destinations have included:
Adelaide
Brisbane
Melbourne
Perth
Sydney
The airline also serves Auckland and has operated selected services to Christchurch.
Middle East and Africa
Cathay Pacific serves selected destinations in the Middle East and Africa.
These have included:
Dubai
Johannesburg
Riyadh
Tel Aviv
The size of the network in these regions has changed over time.
Partnerships
Oneworld
Cathay Pacific is a founding member of Oneworld.
Alliance membership provides access to coordinated connections and reciprocal benefits across participating airlines.
Eligible passengers may receive:
Priority check-in
Priority boarding
Airport lounge access
Additional baggage
Priority baggage handling
Fast-track security at selected airports
Benefits depend on the traveller's Cathay status, ticket and operating airline.
Codeshare agreements
Cathay Pacific maintains codeshare agreements with Oneworld members and other airlines.
Codeshare arrangements allow a service operated by one airline to be sold under another airline's flight number.
Current partners and eligible routes should be confirmed through Cathay Pacific's booking system.
Air China partnership
Cathay Pacific and Air China maintain a strategic relationship.
The airlines have reciprocal shareholdings and cooperate on selected passenger and commercial activities.
The relationship supports connectivity between Hong Kong, mainland China and international markets.
HK Express
HK Express is a wholly owned low-cost airline within the Cathay Group.
It operates from Hong Kong International Airport using Airbus A320-family aircraft.
Its network is focused on short- and medium-haul destinations across Asia.
| Aircraft family | Typical role |
| Airbus A320 | Short-haul services |
| Airbus A320neo | Short-haul services |
| Airbus A321 | Higher-capacity regional services |
| Airbus A321neo | Higher-capacity regional services |
HK Express uses a separate brand, fare structure and passenger product from Cathay Pacific.
Cathay Cargo
Cathay Cargo is the cargo business of the Cathay Group.
The business was previously marketed as Cathay Pacific Cargo.
It operates dedicated Boeing 747 freighters and uses cargo capacity aboard Cathay Pacific passenger aircraft.
The cargo network transports products including:
General freight
Pharmaceuticals
Fresh food
Mail
Live animals
Valuable goods
E-commerce shipments
Temperature-sensitive products
Oversized equipment
Hong Kong International Airport is Cathay Cargo's principal hub.
Boeing 747 freighters
Cathay Cargo operates Boeing 747 freighter aircraft.
The Boeing 747-8F provides greater payload and range than earlier freighter variants.
Cathay Cargo has also operated the Boeing 747-400F and Boeing 747-400ERF.
Airbus A350F order
Cathay Pacific has ordered Airbus A350 freighters for Cathay Cargo.
The aircraft are intended to modernise the freighter fleet and support future cargo growth.[7]
Fleet
Cathay Pacific operates Airbus and Boeing passenger aircraft together with Boeing freighters.
Airbus A321neo aircraft are used primarily on regional services.
Airbus A330, Airbus A350 and Boeing 777 aircraft operate medium- and long-haul routes.
| Aircraft family | Typical role |
| Airbus A321neo | Regional passenger services |
| Airbus A330-300 | Regional and medium-haul services |
| Airbus A350-900 | Long-haul and medium-haul services |
| Airbus A350-1000 | High-capacity long-haul services |
| Boeing 777-300 | Regional and medium-haul services |
| Boeing 777-300ER | Long-haul services |
| Boeing 747-400F | Cargo services |
| Boeing 747-400ERF | Cargo services |
| Boeing 747-8F | Long-haul cargo services |
Cathay Pacific and Cathay Cargo operated 179 passenger and cargo aircraft at the end of 2025.[7]
Airbus A321neo
The Airbus A321neo is Cathay Pacific's only current narrow-body passenger type.
It is primarily used on routes within Asia.
The cabin includes Business, Premium Economy and Economy Class.
The aircraft is equipped with seatback entertainment and onboard connectivity.
Airbus A330
The Airbus A330-300 is one of Cathay Pacific's longest-serving current aircraft types.
It is used on regional and selected medium-haul routes.
Cathay Pacific has ordered Airbus A330-900 aircraft to support future fleet renewal.[7]
Airbus A350
Cathay Pacific operates the Airbus A350-900 and Airbus A350-1000.
The type is used on long-haul and medium-haul routes.
Passenger cabins include:
Business
Premium Economy
Economy
The Airbus A350 provides improved fuel efficiency compared with several older wide-body aircraft.
Boeing 777
Cathay Pacific operates the Boeing 777-300 and Boeing 777-300ER.
The Boeing 777-300 is primarily used on regional and medium-haul services.
The Boeing 777-300ER is used on long-haul and high-demand routes.
Cathay Pacific has introduced its Aria Suite Business Class product on refurbished Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.
Boeing 777X
Cathay Pacific has ordered Boeing 777-9 aircraft.
The type is intended to support future long-haul fleet renewal and growth.
Delivery dates have changed because of delays to the Boeing 777X programme.
Future fleet
The Cathay Group has placed orders for new passenger and freighter aircraft.
Its order programme includes:
Airbus A321neo
Airbus A330-900
Airbus A350F
Boeing 777-9
The Cathay Group had 103 new passenger and freighter aircraft on order at the end of 2025.[7]
The orders are intended to renew older aircraft, increase capacity and support expansion at Hong Kong International Airport.
Former fleet
Cathay Pacific has operated many aircraft types during its history.
Former aircraft include:
Airbus A340-300
Airbus A340-600
Boeing 707
Boeing 747-200
Boeing 747-300
Boeing 747-400
Boeing 777-200
Convair 880
Douglas DC-3
Douglas DC-4
Douglas DC-6
Lockheed L-188 Electra
Aircraft transferred from Cathay Dragon included additional Airbus A320-family and Airbus A330 equipment.
Passenger cabins
First Class
First Class is available on selected Cathay Pacific Boeing 777-300ER services.
The product generally includes:
A wide private seat
A fully flat bed
Personalised service
Premium dining
Airport lounge access
Priority airport services
Additional baggage
First Class is available on a limited number of aircraft and routes.
Business Class
Business Class is offered across Cathay Pacific's passenger fleet.
Long-haul aircraft generally provide fully flat seats with direct aisle access.
Benefits can include:
Priority check-in
Lounge access
Additional baggage
Premium dining
Priority boarding
Priority baggage handling
The exact seat differs between Airbus A321neo, Airbus A330, Airbus A350 and Boeing 777 aircraft.
Aria Suite
Aria Suite is Cathay Pacific's newer long-haul Business Class product.
It was introduced on refurbished Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.
Features include:
A privacy door
A fully flat bed
Direct aisle access
Personal storage
Updated entertainment
Wireless charging
The aircraft also receive updated Premium Economy and Economy cabins.
Premium Economy
Cathay Pacific offers Premium Economy on selected regional and long-haul aircraft.
The cabin provides:
Wider seating
Additional legroom
Greater recline
Enhanced meals
A larger entertainment screen
Priority boarding on eligible journeys
Premium Economy is available on aircraft including the Airbus A321neo, Airbus A350 and selected Boeing 777 aircraft.
Economy Class
Economy Class is available throughout Cathay Pacific's passenger fleet.
Services can include:
Meals and drinks
Seatback entertainment
Cabin baggage
Checked baggage according to the fare
Onboard connectivity where installed
Advance seat selection
The seat and service depend on the aircraft, route and purchased fare.
Cathay membership
Cathay is the group's travel and lifestyle membership programme.
It replaced the earlier separation between the Marco Polo Club and Asia Miles programmes.
Members can earn and redeem Asia Miles through flights and participating partners.
Miles can be earned through:
Cathay Pacific flights
Oneworld airlines
Other airline partners
Hotels
Restaurants
Payment cards
Shopping
Travel services
Asia Miles can be redeemed for:
Reward flights
Cabin upgrades
Hotels
Shopping
Dining
Experiences
Other travel products
Status levels
Cathay membership includes several status levels:
| Status | Position |
| Green | Entry level |
| Silver | First elite level |
| Gold | Oneworld Sapphire level |
| Diamond | Oneworld Emerald level |
Higher levels provide benefits such as:
Priority check-in
Airport lounge access
Additional baggage
Priority boarding
Preferred seating
Priority baggage delivery
Qualification requirements can change between membership years.
Airport lounges
Cathay Pacific operates several airport lounges at Hong Kong International Airport and selected overseas destinations.
The Wing
The Wing is one of Cathay Pacific's principal lounges at Hong Kong International Airport.
Separate areas are provided for eligible First Class and Business Class passengers.
Facilities can include:
Dining
Showers
Work areas
Quiet seating
Private cabanas
Bar facilities
The Pier
The Pier provides separate First Class and Business Class lounge areas.
Facilities include dining, relaxation areas, showers and workspaces.
The First Class lounge includes private rooms and restaurant-style dining.
The Deck
The Deck is a Cathay Pacific Business Class lounge at Hong Kong International Airport.
Its design includes an open terrace overlooking the terminal.
The Bridge
The Bridge is another Cathay Pacific lounge at Hong Kong International Airport.
It was reopened following refurbishment as part of the airline's lounge-investment programme.
Overseas lounges
Cathay Pacific operates or has operated branded lounges at airports including:
London Heathrow
San Francisco
Tokyo Narita
Vancouver
Eligible passengers may also use Oneworld or partner lounges at other airports.
In-flight entertainment
Cathay Pacific's entertainment system is branded StudioCX.
The system offers content including:
Films
Television programmes
Music
Games
Audio programmes
Flight information
Seatback entertainment is available across Cathay Pacific's passenger fleet.
Available content varies by aircraft and travel date.
Onboard connectivity
Cathay Pacific offers Wi-Fi on an increasing proportion of its fleet.
Availability depends on the aircraft and installed connectivity system.
Complimentary or paid access can vary according to:
Passenger cabin
Membership status
Route
Aircraft type
Catering
Cathay Pacific provides complimentary food and drinks on scheduled passenger services.
Menus vary according to:
Cabin
Route
Flight duration
Departure location
Time of day
The airline works with Hong Kong and international restaurants, chefs and beverage producers.
Special meals can be requested before departure on eligible flights.
Branding
Brushwing
Cathay Pacific's principal symbol is known as the Brushwing.
The design resembles a bird's wing formed with a single calligraphic brush stroke.
It was introduced during the 1990s and has been refined through later branding updates.
Current livery
Cathay Pacific aircraft use a predominantly white fuselage.
The airline's name and Brushwing symbol appear near the front of the aircraft.
The tail carries a white Brushwing on a green background.
A grey-green section extends around the rear fuselage.
Earlier liveries
Earlier Cathay Pacific liveries included designs featuring:
Green and white stripes
A Union Flag
A red stripe
The airline's earlier wordmark
A green tail with white detailing
The airline has used heritage designs to recognise important anniversaries.[8]
Betsy
Betsy was Cathay Pacific's first Douglas DC-3.
The preserved aircraft is displayed at the Hong Kong Science Museum.
A second DC-3 associated with the airline's early history, named Niki, has also been preserved.
Sustainability
Cathay Pacific has established environmental targets covering carbon emissions, waste and sustainable aviation fuel.
Its strategy includes:
Newer aircraft
Sustainable aviation fuel
Improved flight planning
Reduced aircraft weight
Electric ground equipment
Reduced single-use plastics
Waste separation
Carbon-offsetting options
The airline has stated an ambition to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Cathay Pacific has also committed to using sustainable aviation fuel for a proportion of its total fuel consumption by 2030.
Accidents and incidents
Miss Macao hijacking
On 16 July 1948, a Cathay Pacific subsidiary-operated aircraft named Miss Macao was hijacked during a flight from Macau to Hong Kong.
The Consolidated PBY Catalina crashed into the Pearl River estuary after a struggle aboard the aircraft.
Most occupants were killed.
The event is often described as the first recorded hijacking of a commercial aircraft.
Aircraft shot down in 1954
On 23 July 1954, a Cathay Pacific Douglas DC-4 was shot down near Hainan Island.
The aircraft was operating from Bangkok to Hong Kong.
Several passengers and crew members were killed, while survivors were rescued from the sea.
The attacking military aircraft reportedly mistook the airliner for a hostile target.
Flight 700Z
On 15 June 1972, Cathay Pacific Flight 700Z was destroyed by a bomb while flying over South Vietnam.
The Convair 880 was operating from Bangkok to Hong Kong.
All passengers and crew members were killed.
Investigators concluded that an explosive device had been placed aboard the aircraft.
Flight 780
On 13 April 2010, Cathay Pacific Flight 780 experienced serious engine-control problems while approaching Hong Kong.
The Airbus A330 was operating from Surabaya.
Contaminated fuel had damaged components within both engines.
The crew landed the aircraft at high speed at Hong Kong International Airport.
Several passengers were injured during the evacuation, but there were no fatalities.
Airbus A350 engine component failure
In September 2024, a Cathay Pacific Airbus A350 experienced an engine-component failure shortly after departing Hong Kong.
The aircraft returned safely.
Cathay Pacific inspected its Airbus A350 fleet and temporarily cancelled some services while affected engine components were examined or replaced.
Legacy
Cathay Pacific has played a major role in the development of Hong Kong as an international aviation hub.
The airline grew alongside Hong Kong's development as a centre for trade, finance and tourism.
Its history includes the transition from piston-powered aircraft to regional jets, wide-body international services and a modern passenger and cargo network.
Cathay Pacific remains closely associated with Hong Kong International Airport and the city's international connectivity.
See also
Cathay Cargo
HK Express
Cathay Dragon
Hong Kong International Airport
Kai Tak Airport
Oneworld
Air China
List of airlines of Hong Kong
Aviation in Hong Kong