Cathay Pacific Completes ‘Two-Year Rebuilding Journey’ — Here’s What's Next

Hong Kong’s airlines were hit harder than most by the pandemic. Extended shutdowns and strict quarantine rules for crew left a once thriving sector in the doldrums. As regional rivals bounced back, local carriers were left playing catch up. 

Cathay Pacific – the jewel in Hong Kong’s aviation crown – was not immune to the struggles.

Augustus Tang, its former CEO, discussed “challenges that are unique to Hong Kong” in rebuilding the airline. By the end of 2022, Cathay was operating just a third of its pre-crisis capacity. A year ago, it was hovering around 70% at a time when many competitors were at 90% or higher.

On Tuesday, the Cathay Group finally shook off the specter of its Covid-era woes. Publishing its traffic figures for December 2024, it confirmed that its “two-year rebuilding journey” is complete, with “incredible progress” made last year.