History of Cathay Pacific in Timeline
Cathay Pacific is the flag carrier of Hong Kong, serving as a major airline with its headquarters and primary hub at Hong Kong International Airport. It provides scheduled passenger and cargo services, along with codeshares and joint ventures, reaching over 190 destinations in more than 60 countries globally. The airline plays a significant role in international air travel and cargo transport.
1945: Purchase of First Aircraft
In 1945, Roy Farrell purchased the airline's first aircraft, a Douglas DC-3, nicknamed Betsy, at Bush Field, New York City.
May 1946: Company Relocation
On 11 May 1946, the company relocated, flying its two planes to Hong Kong due to planes being detained by authorities in Shanghai.
August 1946: Sister Company Incorporated
On 28 August 1946, The Roy Farrell Export Import Company (Hong Kong) Limited, a sister company, was incorporated and chartered some flights from Cathay.
September 1946: Cathay Pacific Airways Founded
On 24 September 1946, Cathay Pacific Airways was founded in Hong Kong by Sydney "Syd" de Kantzow and Roy Farrell, along with initial shareholders Neil Buchanan, Donald Brittan Evans, and Robert "Bob" Stanley Russell. The company relocated to Hong Kong and re-registered their business on this date.
1947: Fleet Expansion
By 1947, Cathay Pacific had expanded its fleet, adding another five DC-3s and two Vickers Catalina seaplanes.
1948: New Legal Person Incorporated
In 1948, a new legal entity, Cathay Pacific Airways, was formed with new shareholders: John Swire & Sons (now Swire Group), China Navigation Company, and Australian National Airways. This new entity acquired assets from the old one, which was renamed Cathay Pacific Holdings.
January 1950: Freight services commenced
On 28 January 1950, Cathay Pacific began freight services from Sydney to Shanghai after obtaining a license to carry freight earlier that month. The first commercial flight was a shipment of Australian goods.
1950: Establishment of HAECO
In 1950, under Swire's management, HAECO, an aeroplane repair service company, was established in Hong Kong.
1951: de Kantzow departs Cathay Pacific
In 1951, de Kantzow left Cathay Pacific. Farrell sold his minority stake soon after Swire's takeover in 1948 due to his wife's health problems.
July 1959: Acquisition of Hong Kong Airways
On 1 July 1959, Cathay Pacific acquired Hong Kong Airways.
1959: Acquisition of Hong Kong Airways
In 1959, Cathay Pacific acquired Hong Kong Airways, becoming the dominant airline in Hong Kong.
1962: Double-Digit Growth
Between 1962 and 1967, Cathay Pacific recorded double digit growth on average every year.
1964: One Millionth Passenger Carried and First Jet Engine Aircraft Acquired
In 1964, Cathay Pacific carried its one millionth passenger and acquired its first jet engine aircraft, the Convair 880.
1967: All Jet Airline
In 1967, Cathay Pacific became an all jet airline with the replacement of its last Lockheed L-188 Electra with a Convair 880.
June 1971: "Lettuce leaf sandwich" livery introduced
From June 1971, Cathay Pacific aircraft used a "lettuce leaf sandwich" livery in Brunswick green and white over bare metal and carried the British flag on the empennage.
1971: First Boeing 707-320B received
In 1971, Cathay Pacific Airways received the first Boeing aircraft 707-320B.
1972: Fleet of Boeing 707s
By 1972, Cathay Pacific had five Boeing 707s. The new aircraft color was known as Brunswick green.
1972: Last Hull Loss or Loss of Life
Since 1972, Cathay Pacific has not had any incidents resulting in a hull loss or loss of life and is regarded as having a good safety reputation.
1974: Failed McDonnell Douglas DC-10 Purchase
In 1974, Cathay Pacific almost purchased the McDonnell Douglas DC-10 to open a new flight route but was ultimately rejected due to pressure from the British government.
1979: Acquisition of first Boeing 747
In 1979, Cathay Pacific acquired its first Boeing 747 and applied for traffic rights to fly to London in 1980, with the first flight taking place on 16 July.
1980: First Flight to London
In 1980, Cathay Pacific applied for traffic rights to fly to London in 1980, with the first flight taking place on 16 July.
1982: Introduction of Cathay Pacific Cargo
In 1982, Cathay Pacific Airways introduced Cathay Pacific Cargo (now Cathay Cargo) and started long-haul cargo services jointly with Lufthansa.
1983: Service to Vancouver
In 1983, Cathay Pacific kept its service to Vancouver.
1986: Service to San Francisco
In 1986, Cathay Pacific added service to San Francisco, and industry growth led to expanded routes to European and North American centers.
January 1990: Acquisition of Shareholding in Dragonair
In January 1990, Cathay Pacific and Swire acquired a 35% shareholding in Dragonair.
November 1994: "Lettuce leaf sandwich" livery retired
Until November 1994, Cathay Pacific aircraft used a "lettuce leaf sandwich" livery in Brunswick green and white over bare metal and carried the British flag on the empennage.
1994: Acquisition of Air Hong Kong Stake and Passenger Service Upgrade
In 1994, Cathay Pacific acquired a 75% stake in cargo airline Air Hong Kong. Additionally, the airline launched a program to upgrade its passenger service and updated its logo.
1994: Previous logo in place until 1994
The previous Cathay Pacific logo, consisting of green and white stripes, was in place from the early 1970s until 1994.
1996: Increased Holdings by CITIC Pacific and Others
In 1996, CITIC Pacific increased its holdings in Cathay Pacific from 10% to 25%, and CNAC(G) and CTS also bought substantial holdings, reducing the Swire Group holding to 44%.
1997: First Loss Since the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis
In 2008, Cathay Pacific faced its first financial loss since the 1997 Asian financial crisis. The loss was largely due to fuel-hedging losses and a price-fixing fine in the US, which were reported in March 2009.
May 1998: First Boeing 777-300 Delivery
On 21 May 1998, Cathay Pacific took the first delivery of the Boeing 777-300 at a ceremony in Everett.
July 1998: Change in title for chief executive officers
Before 1 July 1998, Cathay Pacific's chief executive officers were referred to as managing directors.
July 1998: Last Flight from Kai Tak International Airport and First Transpolar Flight
On 5 July 1998, Cathay Pacific operated its last flight from Kai Tak International Airport. On the next day, Cathay Pacific began flights from New York John F. Kennedy International Airport to the new Hong Kong-Chek Lap Kok International Airport, marking the world's first nonstop transpolar flight from New York to Hong Kong.
September 1998: Cathay City construction scheduled to complete
Cathay City, Cathay Pacific's head office located at Hong Kong International Airport, was scheduled to be built in increments between April and September 1998.
September 1998: Co-founding of Oneworld Airline Alliance
On 21 September 1998, Cathay Pacific, along with American Airlines, British Airways, Canadian Airlines, and Qantas, co-founded the Oneworld airline alliance.
October 1998: Philippine Airlines Operations Takeover
From 26 September to 7 October 1998, Cathay Pacific temporarily took over the domestic and international operations of Philippine Airlines during its two-week shutdown.
2000: Record Profit
Cathay Pacific was hurt by the 1997 Asian financial crisis, but recorded a record HK$5 billion profit in 2000.
2000: Labour Relations Issues and Dragonair Acquisition
The year 2000 saw Cathay Pacific experience labour relations issues while completing the acquisition of Dragonair.
July 2001: Firing of 49 Pilots
On 9 July 2001, Cathay Pacific fired 49 of its 1,500 pilots, following a review of their employment histories. This group became known as "the 49ers".
2001: Reapplication Opportunity for Terminated Pilots
In 2001, Cathay Pacific offered the 49 pilots it terminated the chance to reapply for pilot positions with its cargo division. Nineteen former employees applied and twelve were offered jobs.
2001: "Work to Rule" Campaign
In 2001, the Hong Kong Aircrew Officers Association (HKAOA) launched a "work to rule" campaign to further its campaign for pay improvements and changes to roster scheduling practices which resulted in flight cancellations. Cathay Pacific refused to negotiate with the HKAOA under threat of industrial action.
September 2006: Shareholding Realignment Underway
On September 28, 2006, Cathay Pacific underwent a shareholding realignment. Dragonair became a wholly-owned subsidiary, Air China acquired a 17.5% stake in Cathay Pacific, and Cathay Pacific doubled its shareholding in Air China to 17.5%. CITIC Pacific reduced its shareholding to 17.5% and Swire Group reduced its shareholding to 40%.
2006: "Cathay Pacific 60th Anniversary Skyshow" Held
In 2006, to celebrate the airline's 60th anniversary, a year of roadshows named the "Cathay Pacific 60th Anniversary Skyshow" was held. Anniversary merchandise and in-flight meals served by restaurants in Hong Kong were also introduced in collaboration with the celebrations.
2007: Launch of self-check-in methods
Beginning in 2007, Cathay Pacific launched more methods to check in for flights, including self-check-in kiosks and mobile phone check-in. Cathay Pacific also launched a mobile application on App Store and Google Play, formerly named CX Mobile.
2007: Five types of economy class seats introduced
Cathay Pacific currently has five types of Economy Class, different on each aircraft. From the oldest 2007 type to the newest 2021 type, each has its own unique features.
June 2008: Cathay Pacific Fined for Air Cargo Price-Fixing Agreements
In June 2008, Cathay Pacific entered into a plea bargain with the United States Department of Justice in respect of antitrust investigations over air cargo price-fixing agreements and was fined US$60 million. The airline subsequently set up an internal Competition Compliance Office.
July 2008: Old economy class seats introduced
Designed by B/E Aerospace and introduced in July 2008, the phased-out old Economy Class seats previously offered on aircraft outfitted with the refurbished long-haul interiors, include a fixed back design, a 9 in PTV providing AVOD, AC power located behind a larger tray table, a coat hook and a literature pocket that has been relocated to below the seat cushion to create more legroom.
September 2008: Top Global Accounts Hit Financial Trouble
In September 2008, three of Cathay Pacific's top ten global accounts, Lehmann Brothers, AIG and Merrill Lynch, experienced financial difficulties.
2008: Financial Losses Due to Fuel Hedging and Price-Fixing Fine
In 2008, Cathay Pacific faced significant financial losses due to fuel-hedging and a price-fixing fine. These losses contributed to a record full-year loss reported in March 2009.
March 2009: Record Full-Year Loss Reported
In March 2009, Cathay Pacific reported a record full-year loss of HK$8.56 billion for 2008. This included fuel-hedging losses of HK$7.6 billion and a price-fixing fine in the US. The airline had to scrap its final dividend.
November 2009: Legal Victory for the 49ers
On 11 November 2009, 18 of the 49ers succeeded in the Hong Kong Court of First Instance concerning their joint claims for breach of contract, breach of the Employment Ordinance, and defamation.
2009: Paper Fuel Hedging Gain and Operating Loss Reported
In 2009, Cathay Pacific recorded a paper fuel hedging gain for its half-year reports. However, due to the global economic situation, the Group reported an operating loss and undertook a comprehensive review of its routes and operations, reducing frequencies, deferring capital expenditure, parking aircraft, and introducing a Special Leave Scheme for staff.
2009: Dragonair's Planned Expansion
In 2009, Dragonair had planned for significant international expansion including a dedicated cargo fleet of Boeing 747-400BCF aircraft operating to New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco and Columbus. It had also acquired Airbus A330-300 aircraft for services to Sydney and Seoul.
March 2010: Tony Tyler Leaves CEO Position
On March 31, 2010, Tony Tyler left his position as CEO at Cathay Pacific to pursue a new job at the IATA. Chief operating officer John Slosar succeeded him as the new CEO.
December 2010: Court of Appeal Overturns Part of Lower Court Judgment
In December 2010, the Court of Appeal overturned the lower court's judgment dismissing the wrongful termination claim but upheld the finding that Cathay Pacific wrongly sacked 18 pilots for union activities. The court also upheld the defamation claim but reduced damages, and modified the judgment on legal costs, requiring the pilots to pay some of Cathay's costs.
2010: Cathay Pacific and Cathay Dragon Passenger and Cargo Volume
In 2010, Cathay Pacific and Cathay Dragon transported nearly 27 million passengers and more than 1.8 million tons of cargo and mail.
January 2011: Switch to e-air waybill
On 4 January 2011, Cathay Pacific Cargo became the first airline operating out of Hong Kong to fully switch to e-air waybill, eliminating the need for paper documents for air waybills.
March 2011: Captain John Warham Launches "The 49ers – The True Story"
On March 25, 2011, Captain John Warham, leader of the 49er Plaintiffs, launched his book titled "The 49ers – The True Story."
October 2011: Pilots Awarded Leave to Take Case to Court of Final Appeal
In October 2011, the pilots were awarded leave to take their case to the Court of Final Appeal, concerning wrongful termination of contract and defamation damages.
2011: Fuel Hedging Until End of 2011
As of the end of 2008, Cathay Pacific has hedged about half of its fuel needs until the end of 2011. The airline estimated at the time that it would face no further cash costs from the hedges if the average market price stood at US$75.
2011: New business class seat introduced
Cathay Pacific introduced a new business class seat in 2011, featuring reverse herringbone seating in a 1-2-1 configuration that converts into a fully flat bed.
March 2012: Premium economy class introduced
In March 2012, Cathay Pacific introduced a premium economy class with increased seat pitch and wider seats compared to economy class.
March 2012: Economy class seats updated
In March 2012, Cathay Pacific updated its economy class seats, replacing the older fixed back design. They have a six-inch recline (two inches over the current long-haul economy seat). These seats are 17.5 in in width and have 32 in of pitch.
August 2012: Case Heard by the Court of Final Appeal
On August 27, 2012, the case regarding wrongful termination of contract and defamation damages was heard by the Court of Final Appeal.
September 2012: 49ers Judged to Have Won Legal Case
On September 26, 2012, the 49ers were judged to have won their legal case on the prime issues of breach of contract, breach of the Employment Ordinance, and defamation. The Court of Final Appeal agreed with the Court of Appeal's methodology for reducing defamation damages but reinstated one month's salary for each of the 49ers.
2012: Previous Economy Class seats replaced
In 2012 The previous Economy Class seats were replaced with an updated Economy Class seat on aircraft receiving the Cathay Pacific's updated long-haul interior configuration. This is no longer available as it is replaced by the new 2012 Economy Class.
2012: StudioCX System Launched
In 2012, the StudioCX system was launched, featuring movies, TV, music, inflight map and some games. It was identical to Cathay Dragon's Entertainment (StudioKA).
2014: Oil Prices Halved Since 2014
As of September 2016, oil prices were halved from 2014 and stayed below US$50 a barrel, contributing to Cathay Pacific's decision to reintroduce fuel surcharges on flights.
2014: Logo Updated
In 1994, the airline launched a program to upgrade its passenger service and updated its logo. Its logo was updated again in 2014.
2014: Largest Network Expansion in Recent Years
In 2014, Cathay Pacific underwent the largest network expansion in recent years which included the addition of links to Manchester, Zurich and Boston.
November 2015: Refreshed livery revealed
On 1 November 2015, Cathay Pacific revealed a refreshed version of its previous livery, featuring a simpler paint scheme while maintaining its trademark brushwing on an all-green tail. It was first unveiled on a Boeing 777-300ER (B-KPM).
January 2016: Dragonair Rebranded as Cathay Dragon
In January 2016, Cathay Pacific announced the rebranding of Dragonair as Cathay Dragon.
September 2016: Fuel Surcharge Reintroduced on Flights
From September 15, 2016, Cathay Pacific reintroduced fuel surcharges on many flights after its half-year net profits dropped more than 80% and it suffered HK$4.5 billion loss from wrong bets on fuel prices. As of September 2016, oil prices were halved from 2014 and stayed below US$50 a barrel.
2016: Passenger Yields Fell
During the first half of 2016, Cathay Pacific's passenger yields fell 10 per cent, to the lowest in seven years as competing airlines from mainland China increased direct service to the U.S. and Europe, hurting the company's revenue from its Hong Kong hub. In October, Cathay Pacific scrapped its profit forecast for the second half of the year, less than two months after its issuance.
2016: New Entertainment System Launched
In 2016, following the new A350-900, Cathay Pacific launched a new entertainment system with a modern design, new content, moving map, live TV, reading materials, magazines, news, shopping, and Sports24 (on A350). Resolution is 4K on A321s.
2016: Refreshed reverse herringbone seat introduced
In 2016, upon delivery of brand new Airbus A350s, Cathay Pacific introduced a refreshed reverse herringbone seat designed by Porsche Design, with HD personal televisions and additional enclosed storage space on the side.
2016: New premium economy seat introduced
In 2016, with the delivery of the Airbus A350-900 fleet, Cathay Pacific introduced a new Premium Economy seat, which features a 12.1 in HD PTV, and improved pitch of 40 inches. The new seats are configured in a 2-4-2 configuration, with a width of 18.5 in.
December 2017: Swire Ownership Stake
As of 31 December 2017, Swire Group still owns 45% of Cathay Pacific Airways through its subsidiary, Swire Pacific Limited, and has a shareholders' agreement with Air China.
2017: Investments in Hard Product and Digital Offerings
In 2017, Cathay Pacific invested significantly in hard product and digital offerings such as an upgraded website, new or refurbished lounges across its network, including the first airline lounge yoga studio at The Pier – Business in Hong Kong. Wi-Fi was also introduced.
2017: Boeing 777s Retrofitted with Recaro CL3710 Seat
In 2017, all Boeing 777s were retrofitted with Recaro CL3710 seats and the configuration was changed from 9 abreast to 10 abreast, increasing the economy class seats on board the −300 series from 356 to 396 seats and the −300ER from 182/268 seats to 201/296 seats. The new seats featured 11.6-inch touch screens, USB ports, and an improved seat pitch.
2017: StudioCX updated in 2017
In 2017, the introduction for StudioCX was updated.
2017: Airline Restructuring and New Routes Launched
Since 2017, Cathay Pacific restructured its organisation to be more agile and faster in decision making and responding to customers' needs. It also launched 13 new routes and introduced various changes to its service, including bringing back hot meals on its most busy route between Hong Kong and Taipei.
March 2018: Data Breach Suspected
A data breach was suspected in March 2018 at Cathay Pacific, but it was only confirmed in May 2018. Data of around 9.4 million passengers were compromised during the breach, with sensitive information being accessed.
May 2018: Data Breach Confirmed
In May 2018, Cathay Pacific confirmed a data breach that was suspected in March 2018. The breach compromised data of around 9.4 million passengers, including passport numbers, Hong Kong identity card numbers, and credit card numbers.
2018: Profit Signalled By Profit Alert
A profit of HK$2.3 Billion for the 2018 financial year, was signaled by a profit alert in February 2019, was an early sign of the success of Cathay Pacific's transformation.
2018: 2018 Economy Class Introduction
In 2018, Cathay Pacific's Economy Class featured the HAECO Vector Y+ design.
March 2019: Cathay Pacific Announces Acquisition of HK Express
On March 27, 2019, Cathay Pacific officially announced it would acquire HK Express, the only low-cost carrier in Hong Kong.
July 2019: Transaction Closed, HK Express Becomes Subsidiary
In July 2019, the transaction for Cathay Pacific to acquire HK Express was closed, and HK Express became Cathay Pacific's wholly owned subsidiary.
2019: Cathay Pacific Employees Participate in Hong Kong Protests
During the 2019–20 Hong Kong protests, Cathay Pacific employees participated in protests. The Beijing government ordered Cathay to suspend any employees who participated in the protest. CEO Rupert Hogg later resigned due to "intense criticism" from Chinese authorities. By late September, Cathay Pacific and Cathay Dragon had terminated the employment of 31 aviation professionals.
March 2020: Fine Issued by British Information Commissioner's Office
In March 2020, Cathay Pacific was fined £500,000 by the British Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) for the 2018 data breach and avoided a heftier penalty under the European Union's GDPR-derived data privacy laws.
April 2020: HKExpress Suspends All Flight Operations
During the COVID-19 pandemic, HKExpress suspended all flight operations from March 23 to April 30, 2020, due to reduced demand. In 2020, 96% of all flights from March to May were cancelled.
June 2020: Aircraft withdrawn from service
In June 2020 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic the aircraft featuring the refreshed livery was withdrawn from service.
June 2020: Recapitalisation Plan and Rescue Package Announced
On June 10, 2020, Cathay Pacific and the Government of Hong Kong jointly announced a HK$39 billion recapitalisation plan and rescue package for Cathay Pacific. The Government of Hong Kong will be issued HK$19.5 billion dividend-paying preference shares and HK$1.95 billion of warrants, giving it a 6% stake.
October 2020: Cathay Pacific Shuts Down Cathay Dragon Operations
On October 21, 2020, Cathay Pacific announced it would shut down all operations of Cathay Dragon and merge it with its parent company due to the lack of customers and heavy economic problems brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. Cathay Pacific and HK Express would take over Cathay Dragon's existing routes.
December 2020: Expected losses higher in second half
In December 2020, Cathay Pacific announced that it anticipated higher losses in the second half of the year compared to the first half, due to low demand, restructuring charges, and impairments on its fleet.
2020: Wi-Fi Retrofitted Across Fleet by 2020
By 2020, Cathay Pacific planned to have Wi-Fi retrofitted across its fleet, building on the investments in digital offerings initiated in 2017.
2020: Cathay Dragon ceased operations
In 2020, Cathay Dragon, a wholly owned subsidiary airline, ceased operations, impacting its 44 destinations in the Asia-Pacific region from its Hong Kong base.
2020: Record annual loss announced
In 2021, the company posted a record annual loss of US$2.8 billion for 2020.
2020: Expected losses lower than US$1.27 billion
In June 2021, the company said that losses in 1H 2021 were expected to be lower than US$1.27 billion in 2020, due to cost-saving measures and strong demand for cargo flights.
April 2021: Job cuts and base closures begin
On 22 April 2021, Cathay Pacific began its job cuts by closing its Canada pilot base. On the same day, the company began consultation with pilots at their Australia and New Zealand pilot bases regarding base closure in those jurisdictions. The company also announced that they would review its bases in Europe and the United States later in the year.
May 2021: Frankfurt pilot base closing announced
On 12 May 2021, Cathay Pacific announced the closing of its Frankfurt pilot base, putting approximately 50 pilots' jobs at risk. Pilots with the right to live and work in Hong Kong would be offered jobs, while those without such rights would face redundancy.
June 2021: Expected losses lower in 1H 2021
In June 2021, Cathay Pacific stated that losses in the first half of 2021 were expected to be lower than the US$1.27 billion recorded in 2020, attributed to cost-saving measures and strong demand for cargo flights.
September 2021: Aircraft returned to lessor
In September 2021 the aircraft featuring the refreshed livery returned to its lessor at the expiration of its lease.
2021: Five types of economy class seats introduced
Cathay Pacific currently has five types of Economy Class, different on each aircraft. From the oldest 2007 type to the newest 2021 type, each has its own unique features.
2021: Record annual loss and job cuts announced
In 2021, Cathay Pacific reported a record annual loss of US$2.8 billion for 2020 and announced the reduction of an additional 8,500 jobs.
2021: Cabin updated with new seat on Airbus A321neo
In 2021, Cathay Pacific updated the cabin with a new seat on the Airbus A321neo, featuring a new design with hard-shell recliner seats that incorporate divider screens and a 15.6-inch PTV.
2021: 2021 Economy Class Upgrades
In 2021, the Economy Class was identical to the 2018 version, featuring the HAECO Vector Y+ design, with upgrades like a 4K resolution in-flight entertainment system (privacy screen removed due to user feedback) and a smaller LCD screen for flight/destination time. These aircraft were intended for Cathay Dragon, so the A321neo economy class had a Cordova red colour scheme.
June 2023: Freighter livery updated
On 18 June 2023, Cathay Pacific updated its freighter livery, replacing the "Cathay Pacific Cargo" text with the larger "Cathay Cargo" text, as part of Cathay Pacific's rebranding. It was first unveiled on a Boeing 747-8F (B-LJN).
June 2023: Return to Christchurch announced
On 8 June 2023, Cathay Pacific announced its return to Christchurch.
December 2023: Scrutiny after flight cancellations
Cathay Pacific is under scrutiny in Hong Kong after a spate of flight cancellations since 24 December 2023, including forty flights over four days.
December 2023: Schedule trimmed to avoid flight cancellations
From December 2023, Cathay Pacific trimmed its schedules by an average of twelve flights per day through to the end of February to avoid significant flight cancellations over the peak Lunar New Year period, due to a pilot shortage.
December 16, 2023: Return to Christchurch with seasonal service
Cathay Pacific's first post-pandemic seasonal service to Christchurch started on December 16, 2023, and runs through February 2024.
2023: Aria Suite announced
In 2023, Cathay Pacific announced their “Aria Suite”.
2023: "World of Winners" campaign participation
In 2023, Cathay Pacific participated in the Airport Authority Hong Kong's "World of Winners" campaign, aimed to promote tourism within Hong Kong. The airline provided some of the 500,000 tickets in the campaign.
January 2024: Schedule trimmed to avoid flight cancellations
From December 2023 to January 2024, Cathay Pacific had to trim its schedules by an average of twelve flights per day through to the end of February to avoid significant flight cancellations over the peak Lunar New Year period. The pre-emptive decision comes as the airline grapples with a significant pilot shortage.
February 2024: End of seasonal service to Christchurch
Cathay Pacific's post-pandemic seasonal service to Christchurch, which started on December 16, 2023, runs through February 2024.
June 2024: Cathay Pacific Voted World's Best Economy Class
On June 24, 2024, Cathay Pacific was voted 2024 World's Best Economy Class by Skytrax.
June 2024: Last aircraft returns to service
The last of Cathay Pacific's 76 aircraft that were placed in storage in Alice Springs, Australia, returned to service in June 2024 after four years.
November 2024: Last 'Brushwing' livery repainted
In November 2024, an Airbus A330-300 (B-HLV) that had the classic "Brushwing" livery was repainted.
November 2024: Repainting of second aircraft completed
In November 2024, the repainting of second aircraft featuring the refreshed livery was completed, this was a freighter aircraft, Boeing 747-400ERF (B-LIA).
December 2024: Pilot hiring target met
On 12 December 2024, it was reported that Cathay Pacific has met its target of hiring 3,400 pilots to bring the airline back to pre-pandemic capacity.
December 2024: New direct flights announced
On 5 December 2024, it was reported that Cathay Pacific will launch two direct flights to Munich, Germany and Brussels, Belgium in the summer of 2025. Subsequently, Cathay Pacific will be introducing a new route between Hong Kong and Dallas/Fort Worth, to commence in April 2025.
2024: Aria Suite installed
Cathay Pacific has been installing the Aria Suite on their Boeing 777-300ERs since 2024.
2024: Sonic identity introduced
In 2024, Cathay Pacific introduced its sonic identity, titled “Song of Cathay”, created in collaboration with the agency Sixième Son. It is deployed across multiple touchpoints including lounges, aircraft cabins and digital platforms.
January 2025: Planned addition of pilots
On 12 December 2024, it was reported that Cathay Pacific is planning to add another 100 pilots in January 2025.
April 2025: New route to Dallas/Fort Worth to commence
In December 2024, it was reported that Cathay Pacific will be introducing a new route between Hong Kong and Dallas/Fort Worth, to commence in April 2025. The route will mark the airline's longest route and will be operated four times weekly on its Airbus A350-1000.
November 3, 2025: Early start for Christchurch seasonal service
Cathay Pacific's Christchurch seasonal service will start even earlier than usual, on November 3, 2025, offering more capacity and better connectivity to Asia.
November 2025: Intention to buy back Qatar Airways' stake
In November 2025, Cathay Pacific announced its intention to buy back Qatar Airways' stake in the company.
November 2025: Resumption of Adelaide services
In autumn 2025, Cathay Pacific announced the resumption of services to Adelaide starting on 11 November 2025, after being originally suspended due to COVID-19. This service will operate three times weekly as part of the winter seasonal schedule.
2025: Skytrax Ranking
As of 2025, Skytrax ranks Cathay Pacific as a 5-star airline and as the third best airline in the world.
January 2026: Air China announced the sale of a 1.61% stake
On 6 January 2026, Air China announced the sale of a 1.61% stake in Cathay Pacific for approximately HK$1.32 billion.
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