Cathay Pacific

As the flag carrier of Hong Kong, Cathay Pacific is a globally recognized premium airline deeply rooted in its home city and committed to connecting the world through its dynamic hub. We are dedicated to providing exceptional service, comfort, and a distinctly Asian hospitality, striving to make every journey with us a memorable experience.

Our Story: From Humble Beginnings to Global Powerhouse

The story of Cathay Pacific began on September 24, 1946, founded by Australian Sydney H. de Kantzow and American Roy C. Farrell. Starting with a single Douglas DC-3 aircraft nicknamed “Betsy,” the airline initially operated cargo flights between Shanghai and Hong Kong, swiftly expanding to include passenger services to regional destinations like Manila, Bangkok, and Singapore. The name “Cathay Pacific” reflected Farrell’s ambitious vision of one day crossing the vast Pacific Ocean from China.

In 1948, the Swire Group (then Butterfield & Swire) acquired a significant stake, becoming instrumental in the airline’s management and growth. The 1960s saw Cathay Pacific enter the jet age, transforming it from a regional carrier into a major player. A pivotal moment came in 1979 with the arrival of its first Boeing 747, propelling the airline into the long-haul market with flights to London Gatwick in 1980, followed by extensive expansion across Europe and North America.

Cathay Pacific marked another historic moment in 1998 with the inaugural non-stop passenger flight from New York to Hong Kong, “Polar One,” landing at the newly opened Hong Kong International Airport at Chek Lap Kok. In the same year, Cathay Pacific became a founding member of the oneworld alliance, further expanding its global reach. Over the years, the airline has continued to innovate, introducing personal seat-back TVs in First Class as early as 1992 and establishing a strong cargo presence. In 2006, Cathay Pacific strengthened its position by acquiring Dragonair (later Cathay Dragon), which further enhanced its network across mainland China.

Today, Cathay Pacific continues to evolve, focusing on fleet modernization, network expansion, and enhancing its unique blend of Hong Kong heritage and world-class service.

Leadership and Ownership

Cathay Pacific Airways Limited is a publicly traded company listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (SEHK: 0293). Its ownership structure reflects a mix of institutional and strategic interests:

  • Swire Pacific (part of the Swire Group): Holds a relative majority stake, currently around 42%. As the largest shareholder, Swire plays a significant role in Cathay Pacific’s strategic direction.
  • Air China: Holds a substantial stake, currently around 28%. This cross-ownership fosters a strong commercial relationship between the two carriers.
  • Qatar Airways: Holds a significant minority stake, currently around 9.5%.

Mr. Ronald Lam serves as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Cathay Pacific, overseeing the airline’s operations, strategic planning, and its recovery and growth post-pandemic. The airline’s headquarters, Cathay City, are located at Hong Kong International Airport.

Our Fleet: Modernity, Comfort, and Efficiency

Cathay Pacific operates a modern and extensive fleet, primarily composed of wide-body aircraft for its long-haul international routes and a growing number of narrow-body jets for regional flights. The airline is committed to a continuous fleet renewal program, focusing on fuel efficiency, passenger comfort, and environmental sustainability. The fleet includes:

  • Airbus A350 (A350-900 and A350-1000): These advanced, highly fuel-efficient wide-body aircraft are a cornerstone of Cathay Pacific’s long-haul network. They offer a quieter cabin, larger windows, and enhanced air quality, providing an exceptional passenger experience with premium cabins.
  • Boeing 777 (777-300 and 777-300ER): These long-range wide-body jets are vital for Cathay Pacific’s extensive global network, including high-demand routes to North America and Europe. Many are being refurbished with new cabin products.
  • Airbus A330-300: A versatile wide-body aircraft serving regional international and some medium-haul routes, offering a comfortable experience.
  • Airbus A321neo: The newest narrow-body aircraft in the fleet, primarily used for regional flights within Asia. These aircraft feature modern interiors, 4K Ultra HD screens, and larger overhead bins.
  • Boeing 747-400ERF and Boeing 747-8F: Cathay Pacific operates a dedicated freighter fleet of Boeing 747s under Cathay Cargo, making it one of the world’s leading air cargo carriers.

Cathay Pacific has significant aircraft orders, including additional Airbus A321neos, Airbus A330-900s, Airbus A350Fs (freighters), and Boeing 777-9s (777X), underscoring its long-term commitment to a modern and expanded fleet.

Connecting the World: Hong Kong’s Global Gateway

Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) serves as Cathay Pacific’s sole and strategic hub, a vital global aviation crossroads. From this ultra-modern airport, Cathay Pacific connects Hong Kong to a vast and diverse network across the globe:

  • Extensive Asian Network: Comprehensive coverage across East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, and the Chinese Mainland, leveraging its strong regional presence.
  • Robust North American Network: Direct flights to major cities across the United States (including Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Chicago, Boston, Dallas/Fort Worth) and Canada (Vancouver, Toronto).
  • Deep European Connections: Services to key European capitals and major cities, including London, Paris, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Madrid, Barcelona, Milan, Rome, and Zurich.
  • Australia and New Zealand: Strong connectivity to major Australian cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Cairns) and New Zealand (Auckland, Christchurch).
  • Middle East and Africa: Routes to important destinations in the Middle East (Dubai, Tel Aviv, Riyadh) and South Africa (Johannesburg).

The airline’s focus on Hong Kong as a hub positions it uniquely for connecting travelers between the vibrant markets of Asia and the rest of the world.

Your Journey, Your Rewards: Cathay (formerly Marco Polo Club & Asia Miles)

Cathay Pacific has unified its loyalty programs under the single brand “Cathay,” integrating the previous Marco Polo Club (status-based) and Asia Miles (earning and redemption currency). This streamlined program aims to offer members a more seamless and rewarding experience across various travel and lifestyle activities. As a Cathay member, you can:

  • Earn Asia Miles: Accrue valuable Asia Miles on all eligible Cathay Pacific flights, flights with its extensive network of partner airlines, and through a wide range of non-airline partners (including credit cards, hotels, dining, and retail). Asia Miles can be used for flights, upgrades, and a vast array of lifestyle rewards.
  • Earn Status Points: These points are accumulated on eligible flights and through co-branded credit card spending (in Hong Kong) and determine your membership tier.
  • Redeem Asia Miles: Use your accumulated Asia Miles for Cathay Pacific flight awards (often with flexible “Miles Plus Cash” options), cabin upgrades, hotel stays, car rentals, and a diverse range of merchandise and experiences.
  • Achieve Elite Status: Progress through the four membership tiers – Green, Silver, Gold, and Diamond – to unlock a suite of exclusive privileges:
    • Priority Airport Services: Enjoy benefits like priority check-in counters, priority security (Fast Track), priority boarding, and expedited baggage handling.
    • Lounge Access: Access Cathay Pacific’s renowned network of lounges, including The Pier, The Wing, and other premium lounges at Hong Kong International Airport and select international destinations, as well as partner lounges worldwide.
    • Complimentary Seat Selection: Access to complimentary seat selection, including extra legroom seats and preferred seating (based on tier).
    • Extra Baggage Allowance: Benefit from increased checked baggage allowances.
    • Bonus Asia Miles: Earn additional bonus miles on eligible flights.
    • Complimentary Upgrades: Gold and Diamond members receive complimentary upgrade certificates or PlusPoints for confirmed upgrades on eligible flights.
    • Priority Redemption: Enjoy priority access to special redemption offers for events, experiences, and travel packages.
    • Mid-Status Benefits: Unlock additional rewards as you reach specific Status Points milestones within each tier, such as lounge passes or bookable upgrades.
    • Dedicated Service: Access to exclusive phone lines and personalized customer support.