Cathay Pacific’s CEO Outlines Ambitious Growth Strategy

Ronald Lam, CEO of the Cathay Pacific Group, has unveiled an ambitious growth strategy that aims to expand the airline’s global footprint. Speaking at the Routes World conference in Hong Kong, Lam highlighted the airline’s dual focus on passenger services and cargo operations, as well as its low-cost subsidiary, HK Express. He expressed confidence in the airline’s recovery post-pandemic, stating, “We are stronger and better than we were before the coronavirus,” citing significant reforms implemented during the period.

Cathay Pacific aims to connect China to the world and vice versa. According to booking data from the past year, China figures prominently in many of the airline’s key markets. Seven of the top ten country markets involve connections with China, including routes to the United States, Australia, India, and Taiwan. Lam emphasized the importance of connecting passengers and freight in these regions, which complement the airline’s focus on premium business travel.

Expanding Routes and Destinations

The airline group is preparing to serve a total of 106 airports globally between October 2025 and July 2026. This expansion is supported by a robust network in mainland China, where Cathay Pacific operates flights to 23 airports, representing one-fifth of its total operations. Recently, the airline announced nine new or returning routes for 2025 and 2026, including destinations such as Adelaide, Brussels, Dallas/Fort Worth, Hyderabad, and Seattle. Meanwhile, HK Express has added eleven new locations, including Changzhou and Kuala Lumpur Subang.

The opening of Hong Kong’s third runway in November 2024 has created additional opportunities for Cathay Pacific. Lam confirmed that while the airline has a strong presence in North America, Europe, and Australia, it plans to explore new markets as well. He pointed to the Belt and Road initiative as a critical driving force behind future growth, particularly in the Middle East and Central Asia.

Prioritizing Frequency Over Destinations

Lam highlighted that increasing flight frequency is set to be more significant than merely adding new destinations. This focus on enhancing connectivity will not only support tourism in Hong Kong but also bolster competitiveness and market share. He noted, “Our network in Asia is mature, so growing the number of flights rather than destinations will be a priority.”

However, Lam acknowledged the challenges posed by slot availability at major airports. He cited London Heathrow and New York JFK as particularly constrained, with the airline operating five daily flights to Heathrow and three to JFK. To address growth limitations, Cathay Pacific plans to increase the size of its aircraft, including a pending order for 35 Boeing 777-9s.

In summary, Cathay Pacific is positioning itself for extensive growth by expanding its route network, focusing on frequency, and leveraging strategic partnerships through HK Express. With its commitment to connecting diverse markets and utilizing modern aircraft, the airline aims to solidify its role as a key player in the global aviation landscape.