The Cathay Group has achieved a notable highlight in its recovery journey, carrying over 100,000 passengers in a single day. This is the first time the Group has achieved this number since beginning its comprehensive rebuilding efforts.
The Group’s airlines, Cathay Pacific and HK Express, collectively transported 100,856 passengers on 15 December 2024, marking a significant turning point in the company’s post-pandemic resurgence.
Cathay Group Rebuild and Recovery
This impressive milestone proved to be more than an isolated achievement. Throughout the bustling year-end holiday period leading up to 31 December, the Group demonstrated consistent strong performance.
It exceeded the 100,000 daily passenger mark eight separate times, highlighting the robust recovery of air travel demand in the region.
Ronald Lam, Cathay Group’s Chief Executive Officer, expressed his enthusiasm about this achievement. “Ending 2024 with this milestone fills us with immense pride. Our team’s unwavering dedication and commitment have driven unprecedented growth and expansion throughout the year.”
“I’m especially grateful to our global frontline staff who worked tirelessly through the holiday season to ensure seamless travel experiences for customers, whether they were exploring new destinations or reuniting with loved ones.”
“We’ve now successfully completed our intensive two-year rebuilding phase, which focused strategically on expanding flight options and destinations for both our customers and our Hong Kong hub. This accomplishment marks the beginning of an exciting new era for Cathay,” Lam added.
Expansion Plan Continues
The Group’s expansion plans demonstrate its commitment to strengthening its global network. Cathay Pacific has successfully reinstated its seasonal service to Cairns, Australia, and is preparing to launch several strategic long-haul routes in 2025.
These ambitious expansion plans include new services to Hyderabad in India, capitalizing on the growing South Asian market. It also sees a focus on Dallas in the United States, and strengthening trans-Pacific connections.
A further focus on Munich and Brussels in Europe serves to enhance the airline’s European presence.
Simultaneously, HK Express has been actively expanding its regional network, particularly in Japan. The low-cost carrier recently added Shizuoka to its growing list of Japanese destinations.
The low-cost carrier is now preparing to launch services to Sendai later this month, responding to increasing demand for travel to Japan.
Pre-Pandemic Flight Frequencies Restored
A significant milestone has been reached as of January 2025, with both airlines fully restoring their pre-pandemic flight frequencies.
Looking ahead, Cathay Pacific and HK Express have set an ambitious target to serve 100 destinations worldwide in 2025, representing another meaningful milestone in the Group’s strategic growth plan.
The timing of this recovery aligns perfectly with the commissioning of Hong Kong’s Three-Runway System, which heralds an exciting new era for aviation in the region.
As Hong Kong’s flagship carrier, Cathay remains steadfast in its commitment to strengthening the city’s position as a leading international aviation hub. The Group continues to play a crucial role in fostering connections between Hong Kong, mainland China, and the global community.
The achievement of these milestones not only demonstrates the Group’s successful recovery but also positions it strongly for future growth. With its expanded network and restored capacity. Cathay Group has reconsolidated successfully to remain a leading force in the Asia-Pacific region.
Click the banner to subscribe to our weekly newsleter.
Click the photo to join our WhatsApp channel so then you can stay up to date with everything going on in the aviation industry!
