How Does Cathay Pacific Airways Company Work?

Cathay Pacific's passenger operations saw significant growth in 2024, with available seat kilometers increasing by 30.6% and revenue passenger kilometers by 26.8% year-on-year. The airline group carried over 28 million passengers in 2024, a 30.7% increase from 2023.

The cargo division demonstrated strong performance, transporting 1.5 million tonnes of cargo in 2024, an 11% increase over 2023. In early 2025, Cathay Cargo tonnage continued to rise, with increases of 13.7% in January and 12.2% in May compared to the previous year.

As a founding member of the Oneworld global alliance, the company's network serves over 900 destinations worldwide. Its wholly-owned subsidiary, HK Express, operates as a low-cost carrier within Asia.

The company employs a dual-brand strategy, with Cathay Pacific focusing on premium travel and HK Express on low-cost travel. Significant investments are being made, with over HK$100 billion planned by 2031 to enhance fleet, cabin products, lounges, and digital capabilities.

By January 2025, Cathay Group achieved its pre-pandemic flight capacity, marking a significant recovery milestone. This was driven by a notable increase in passenger and cargo volumes throughout 2024, demonstrating the resilience of Cathay Pacific operations.

Over HK$100 billion (approximately US$12.8 billion) is earmarked for investment by 2031 to bolster Hong Kong's aviation hub status. This includes acquiring over 100 new-generation aircraft, with a specific order for 30 Airbus A330-900s announced in August 2024.

Cathay Pacific hired 7,000 new employees in 2024 to combat staff shortages, with plans for an additional 4,000 by the end of 2025. This expansion aims to bring the total workforce to approximately 34,000, supporting its airline business model.

The company's competitive advantages include its strong brand reputation, being a 5-star airline, and its strategic location at Hong Kong International Airport. Cathay Pacific is enhancing its premium customer experience with new cabin products, reflecting its commitment to superior Cathay Pacific services.

Cathay Pacific is a leading global airline, recognized as the third best airline worldwide as of February 2025. In 2024, it was a top contender in international seat capacity, alongside other major carriers. The airline group's combined passenger capacity with HK Express reached 100% of pre-pandemic levels by January 2025, indicating a robust recovery and expansion of its Cathay Pacific operations.

The airline business model faces intense competition, leading to normalized passenger yields in 2024. Geopolitical uncertainties, trade conflicts, and potential changes to e-commerce tariffs could affect cargo demand. Supply chain issues and currency fluctuations also present ongoing challenges for Cathay Pacific management.

Cathay Pacific is set for significant growth, with plans to operate passenger services to over 100 destinations worldwide within 2025. New routes to Rome, Munich, and Brussels are scheduled, enhancing its extensive route network planning. The company's strategy focuses on increasing connectivity, particularly with mainland China, aiming for a 40% boost in flights to nearly 300 per week during the northern summer of 2025.

The company is investing heavily in fleet modernization, with over 100 new-generation aircraft on order to improve fuel efficiency and reduce carbon emissions, aligning with its carbon net-zero by 2050 goal. This commitment to sustainability is a key aspect of Cathay Pacific's business strategy. The airline expects its passenger capacity to grow at a 9% CAGR over the next five years from 2024.