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Airlines and Aviation

Cathay Pacific Unveils Redesigned The Wing First Lounge

Cathay Pacific is ushering in a new era of premium ground hospitality with the unveiling of its newly redesigned flagship lounge, The Wing, First, at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA). Ahead of its official reopening to guests on 22 April 2026, the refreshed space marks a major milestone in the evolution of Cathay’s global flagship lounge design, and forms part of a wider HK$100‑billion‑plus investment in fleet, cabins, lounges and digital innovation across the Cathay Group. Located on the east side of Terminal 1, The Wing, First has been a cornerstone of Cathay Pacific’s ground experience since HKIA opened in 1998. The redesigned lounge continues the airline’s collaboration with London‑based design studio StudioIlse, evolving the much‑loved aesthetic first seen at The Pier lounges into a more residential, holistic and human‑centric environment. A new chapter in Cathay’s flagship lounge design The refreshed The Wing, First blends contemporary design, residential comfort and thoughtful zoning, while retaining the warmth and familiarity that frequent flyers associate with Cathay’s lounges. Key goals of the redesign include: Creating more intimate, human‑scale spaces that feel like a stylish Hong Kong residence, rather than an institutional terminal lounge Offering greater privacy and comfort for work, relaxation and dining Introducing a holistic approach to space, service and wellness, aligned with the wellbeing‑focused philosophy first developed at The Pier First The result is a lounge that feels calm, tactile and quietly luxurious, grounded in natural materials, warm lighting and carefully curated furnishings. Design evolution with StudioIlse The redesign extends Cathay’s long‑running partnership with StudioIlse, the British studio behind The Pier First and Business lounges. Their design blueprint removes the traditional feel of an airline lounge and replaces it with a series of connected, comfortable spaces arranged like rooms in a home. While full details of every zone are still emerging, the new The Wing, First is reported to introduce features such as: New relaxation and treatment areas inspired by the spa‑like Retreat concept at The Pier Private booths and alcoves for focused work or quiet time, each with power, lighting and small tables An enhanced bar and dining experience, showcasing Hong Kong‑inspired flavours and Cathay’s culinary collaborations Across the lounge, the emphasis is on wellbeing, privacy and a sense of sanctuary, echoing StudioIlse’s earlier work where travellers are meant to leave feeling better than when they arrived. Part of a wider lounge enhancement programme The reopening of The Wing, First is one pillar of Cathay Pacific’s wider lounge enhancement plan in Hong Kong and globally. Recent and upcoming developments include: The redesigned The Bridge lounge at HKIA, which reopened earlier following extensive upgrades. The refreshed Cathay Pacific Lounge in Beijing, showcasing the latest design direction outside Hong Kong. The airline’s first‑ever dedicated lounge in New York, set to open in the new Terminal 6 at John F. Kennedy International Airport, bringing Cathay’s flagship design language to the US. A future refurbishment of The Wing, Business, which will temporarily close for its own renovation before reopening in 2027. These investments are part of Cathay’s commitment to being its customers’ most loved service brand, ensuring the ground experience matches next‑generation aircraft and cabins. The Wing, First: legacy and future Since its original debut in 1998, The Wing, First has been a favourite among premium travellers for its views over the apron, Champagne Bar, á la carte dining and private Cabanas. The latest redesign respects that legacy while reimagining what a flagship first class lounge can be in the late 2020s. The lounge now sits at the forefront of Cathay’s redefined first class journey, complementing the airline’s upcoming new first and business cabin products and refreshed digital experience. For high‑value corporate travellers, oneworld frequent flyers and premium leisure guests, it signals that Hong Kong remains one of the world’s premier hub airports for luxury travel. More information on lounge access, locations and opening hours is available at https://www.cathaypacific.com.

Airports

Cathay Pacific unveils redesigned flagship lounge in Hong Kong

Cathay Pacific has reopened its flagship lounge, The Wing, First, at Terminal 1 of Hong Kong International Airport, offering a reimagined experience for first-class passengers, Diamond members, and other eligible customers. The lounge, redesigned in collaboration with London-based StudioIlse, blends contemporary design with residential comfort, aiming to enhance relaxation and productivity before flights. The lounge features several distinct areas, including the Bureau, a private workspace with acoustic panels and ample charging points, and the Retreat, offering massage services to help passengers unwind. The Atrium serves as a dynamic social space with a rotating menu that transitions from breakfast to evening bistro offerings. The Dining Room provides a seasonal à la carte menu, showcasing both Asian and international dishes, complemented by an extensive wine list. Cathay Pacific's brand ethos is reflected in the lounge's design, which aims to evoke the comfort of an elegant residence. "Every detail is thoughtfully crafted to foster comfort and connection," the airline stated, highlighting its commitment to continuous innovation and personalised experiences. The Wing, First also introduces signature furniture and lighting, crafted exclusively for the lounge, and features artwork by renowned artists, creating a serene environment. The lounge is open daily from 5:30 am until the last departure flight, accommodating 237 guests. Access is temporarily available to Cathay Diamond members and first-class passengers on Cathay Pacific-operated flights This story was selected and published by a human editor, with content adapted from original press material using AI tools. Spot an error? Report it here.

Airlines and Aviation

Cathay Group reports strong March 2026 performance

Cathay Group has announced a robust performance for March 2026, with significant increases in both passenger numbers and cargo tonnage. The group, which includes Cathay Pacific and HK Express, carried over 3.5 million passengers, marking a substantial rise from the previous year. This surge was driven by major events such as Art Basel Hong Kong and the Hong Kong International Jewellery Show, alongside heightened leisure travel during the Lebaran and Easter holidays. Cathay Pacific saw a 24% increase in passengers compared to March 2025, with a 9% rise in Available Seat Kilometres (ASKs). The airline also launched non-stop flights to Seattle on 30 March. However, due to the ongoing situation in the Middle East, flights to Dubai and Riyadh remain suspended until 30 June 2026. Lavinia Lau, Cathay's Chief Customer and Commercial Officer, noted that demand for premium cabins remained robust throughout the month. On the cargo front, Cathay Cargo reported an 11% increase in tonnage compared to March 2025, with a 2% rise in Available Freight Tonne Kilometres (AFTKs). The growth was particularly strong in Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area, and Europe. Specialist solutions like Cathay Priority and Cathay Dangerous Goods saw increased demand, driven by semiconductor and chemical shipments. Despite these successes, Cathay Group faces challenges from rising jet fuel prices, which have nearly doubled since late February. This has led to a consolidation of some flights, affecting 2% of Cathay Pacific's and 6% of HK Express's total frequencies from mid-May to end-June. The group remains agile, aiming to maintain its network and frequencies whilst monitoring developments in the Middle East and fuel prices This story was selected and published by a human editor, with content adapted from original press material using AI tools. Spot an error? Report it here.

Airlines and Aviation

Cathay invests in sustainable aviation fuel initiatives

Cathay has unveiled its Sustainability Report 2025, showcasing a year of substantial progress in its sustainability initiatives, particularly in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and single-use plastics (SUP). The report underscores Cathay's commitment to the aviation industry's long-term decarbonisation goals through strategic investments and collaborations. Cathay's Chief Executive Officer, Ronald Lam, emphasised the company's dedication to sustainability leadership, stating, "Decarbonising aviation is a critical yet complex mission." Cathay has joined the $150 million (US$150 million) oneworld BEV Fund and committed up to $70 million (US$70 million) in a co-investment with Airbus to advance SAF technology. This has resulted in a nearly 180% increase in committed SAF usage through its Corporate SAF Programme. In terms of SUP, Cathay has reduced passenger-facing items to an average of 1.7 pieces per passenger, with a target of 1.5 pieces by mid-2026. The airline has also sourced 50% of remaining SUP items from recycled plastics and expanded its inflight bottle recycling programme to 21% network-wide. Beyond environmental efforts, Cathay has refreshed its "I Can Fly" youth programme, engaging over 1,550 students, and strengthened its diversity and inclusion strategy with the introduction of Belonging@Cathay. These initiatives reflect Cathay's broader commitment to community and workforce development. The full Sustainability Report 2025 is available for those interested in Cathay's ongoing sustainability efforts This story was selected and published by a human editor, with content adapted from original press material using AI tools. Spot an error? Report it here.

Airlines and Aviation

Cathay and Rugby For Good launch wellness carnival

Cathay Pacific, in collaboration with Rugby For Good, has launched the inaugural "Cathay GET SET MOVE Carnival" to promote physical and mental wellbeing among students. The event, held on 28 March, featured rugby tournaments, coaching sessions, and interactive games, marking the start of the GET SET MOVE programme. The programme, a partnership with Rugby For Good, aims to introduce the Hong Kong government's 4Rs charter—Rest, Relaxation, Resilience, and Relationships—through rugby. It is set to reach over 10,000 students this year, integrating into secondary school physical education lessons and events. A highlight of the carnival was the unveiling of the "Cathay GET SET MOVE Mobile Hub," an aircraft-inspired mobile classroom. This hub will visit over 40 Po Leung Kuk primary and secondary schools, allowing more students to experience the 4Rs. Ivan Chan, Cathay's General Manager of Corporate Affairs, stated, "In celebrating 80 years of Cathay, our ambition is to positively impact 80,000 lives. The 'Cathay Get, Set, Move Programme' plays a pivotal role in achieving this vision." Ben Harris, Chairman of Rugby For Good, added, "This programme immerses students in a fun, hands-on journey. We want to show that looking after your mental fitness can be as enjoyable as playing a game." Olympic medallist Siobhán Haughey, Cathay's Brand Ambassador, encouraged students to embrace challenges and maintain their passion, emphasising the importance of self-care and resilience This story was selected and published by a human editor, with content adapted from original press material using AI tools. Spot an error? Report it here.

Airlines and Aviation

Cathay Pacific cancels Middle East flights

Cathay Pacific has announced the cancellation of its passenger flights to Dubai and Riyadh up to and including 31 May 2026, citing the ongoing volatile situation in the Middle East. The airline aims to provide customers with greater certainty in their travel planning. Affected passengers will have the option to rebook, reroute, or cancel their tickets. In response to increased demand for travel to Europe, Cathay Pacific will introduce three additional pairs of flights to Paris and Zurich. Additionally, 13 existing pairs of flights to London will be upgraded to offer more seats in April. The airline is actively reviewing its schedule and considering further capacity enhancements to meet customer needs. Cathay Pacific emphasised its commitment to safety, stating, "The safety of our customers and people guides every decision we make." The airline continues to monitor the situation closely and remains agile in its operational responses. For further details, customers are advised to visit the Cathay Pacific website This story was selected and published by a human editor, with content adapted from original press material using AI tools. Spot an error? Report it here.

Airlines and Aviation

Cathay Pacific expands partnership with Adyen

Cathay Pacific has expanded its global partnership with Adyen, a leading financial technology platform, to enhance its payment processing capabilities across key markets, including Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Japan, and India. This collaboration, which began in 2014, now includes direct acquiring services, significantly improving the airline's authorisation rates and reducing payment fees. The partnership's recent expansion into India has already yielded a 10% increase in authorisation rates, demonstrating the effectiveness of Adyen's acquiring solution. Kinto Chan, General Manager Sales and Distribution at Cathay Pacific, emphasised the importance of a seamless shopping experience, stating, "By leveraging Adyen's single integration and trusted extensive global acquiring network, we can ensure our customers transact securely whilst allowing us to expand into our target markets with ease." Adyen's President Asia Pacific, Warren Hayashi, highlighted the strategic nature of the partnership, noting, "By optimising authorisation rates across diverse geographies, we ensure more bookings take flight, helping Cathay achieve commercial growth on a global stage." Adyen, known for its end-to-end payments capabilities and data-driven insights, continues to support leading companies like Meta, LVMH, and Uber. Cathay Pacific, a premium full-service airline and a founding member of the oneworld global alliance, aims to become the most loved service brand by enhancing customer experience through this partnership. This expansion not only strengthens Cathay Pacific's global commerce strategy but also underscores Adyen's role as a strategic growth partner, poised to unlock new revenue streams for the airline This story was selected and published by a human editor, with content adapted from original press material using AI tools. Spot an error? Report it here.

Airlines and Aviation

Cathay secures top awards in 2026 airline rankings

Cathay Pacific has been recognised with several prestigious awards in the World’s Best Airlines for 2026, organised by AirlineRatings, a global airline safety and product rating organisation. The airline was named second in the World’s Best Full-Service Airlines category and clinched the World’s Best Business Class award for its Aria Suite cabins. Additionally, Cathay Pacific's lounges were honoured as the World’s Best Airline-Branded Lounges. Cathay Cargo also received accolades, being named the World’s Best Airline-Branded Cargo Operations, whilst HK Express, a subsidiary of Cathay, was awarded the World’s Best Low-Cost Carrier. These achievements underscore Cathay's commitment to excellence across various travel segments. Ronald Lam, CEO of Cathay Group, expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating, "We are honoured to receive these recognitions, which serve as a testament to the hard work and professionalism of our teams across Cathay. From premium travel, cargo to low-cost travel, these accolades motivate us to keep innovating and raising the bar." Looking forward, Cathay plans to continue enhancing customer experiences and reinforcing Hong Kong's status as a leading international aviation hub. This will be supported by an investment exceeding $12.8 billion (HK$100 billion) in fleet, inflight and ground products, and digital innovation. These accolades add to Cathay's impressive list of achievements, including being ranked among the world’s top three airlines by Skytrax last year. As Cathay celebrates its 80th anniversary, it remains focused on becoming the most loved service brand for its customers This story was selected and published by a human editor, with content adapted from original press material using AI tools. Spot an error? Report it here.

Airlines and Aviation

Cathay Group reveals traffic figures for February 2026

The Cathay Group today released its traffic figures for February 2026, reflecting a strong start in the first two months of the year thanks to the momentum seen in January carrying over into the following month. This development is attributed to the peak travel season of the Lunar New Year. Likewise, the Cathay Group set a new single-day passenger record on 14th February which saw a total of 128,000 passengers. In total, Cathay Pacific and HK Express carried over 3.2 million passengers last month, surpassing the February 2025 total by 24 percent. A volatile period However, Cathay chief customer and commercial officer Lavinia Lau pointed out that performance this month is in for a challenging time, owing to the volatile state of global events. Lau said: “Turning to March, the global geopolitical environment is volatile and this is causing unexpected shifts in passenger and cargo traffic flows as well as a significant increase in the price of jet fuel. In view of the current situation in the Middle East, we have temporarily suspended Cathay Pacific’s passenger flights as well as Cathay Cargo’s freighter services to Dubai and Riyadh up to and including 30th April.” Lau added that, as customers prioritise alternative travel routes due to airspace closures in the Middle East, the Group has added extra flights to London and provided additional capacity to Zurich in March to cater for a surge in demand for Europe.  The Cathay Group continues to monitor the situation as of press time. Cathay Pacific in February 2026 Cathay Pacific carried 24 percent more passengers in February 2026 compared with February 2025, while Available Seat Kilometres (ASKs) increased by 16 percent.  In the first two months of 2026, the number of passengers carried increased by 17 percent compared with the same period for 2025. According to Lau: “During the Lunar New Year holidays, we saw particularly strong outbound travel demand from Hong Kong and the rest of the Greater Bay Area, with short-haul destinations being the most popular. Meanwhile, inbound traffic to Hong Kong also recorded healthy growth, supported by demand from long-haul markets and the Chinese Mainland. Business travel rebounded quickly towards the end of the month, resulting in robust load factors in our premium cabins.” As of today, 18th March, bookings for Cathay Pacific remain robust for the rest of March, driven by leisure travel across Asia.  Lau added: “We also look forward to launching our new five-times-weekly Seattle service on 30th March, further strengthening the connectivity of the Hong Kong international aviation hub.”  Cathay Cargo carried more throughout the month Cathay Cargo carried seven percent more cargo in February 2026 than in February 2025, while Available Freight Tonne Kilometres (AFTKs) increased by four percent.   In the first two months of 2026, the total tonnage increased by six percent compared with the same period for 2025. Furthermore, cargo tonnage in February declined against the previous month due to the Lunar New Year holidays.  As Lau explained it: “We saw a pre-holiday rush across our home market and the wider Greater Bay Area, followed by softer demand later in the month. Meanwhile, demand for our Cathay Secure solution remained resilient, particularly from Europe and the Americas to Asia, while our Cathay Live Animal solution saw notable growth, supported by increased live lobster shipments from Oceania to Hong Kong. Turning to March, overall air cargo demand is expected to improve as we ramp up our scheduled freighter frequencies in preparation for the quarter end.” HK Express’ numbers were up 25 percent Meanwhile, HK Express carried over 730,000 passengers in February 2026, an increase of 25 percent year on year, while Available Seat Kilometers’ (ASKs) grew by 14 percent.   In the first two months of 2026, the number of passengers carried increased by 16% compared with the same period for 2025. Passenger numbers were buoyed by the Lunar New Year traffic, as HK Express achieved a load factor of 86 percent in February, with South Korea routes being the most popular.  Lau said: “We also saw a significant increase in demand to Malaysia and the Chinese Mainland, which outpaced capacity growth. Looking ahead, bookings remain healthy in March, with demand outpacing capacity increase compared with last year.”

Airlines and Aviation

Cathay and WKCDA reveal ‘Spirit of Hong Kong’ livery

Cathay Pacific Airways and the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority (WKCDA) have unveiled a new aircraft livery, the "Spirit of Hong Kong – 80th Anniversary Edition," at Hong Kong International Airport. This collaboration highlights the commitment of both organisations to promote Hong Kong's cultural creativity on a global scale. The unveiling ceremony was attended by key figures, including Ronald Lam, CEO of Cathay Group, and Bernard Chan, Chairman of the Board of WKCDA. The new livery combines WestK's "Where Art Comes Alive" vision with Cathay's "Move Beyond" ethos, symbolising a shared dedication to advancing Hong Kong's arts and culture. Cathay has been a travel partner for WestK since 2023, supporting its arts and cultural programmes. The new livery coincides with Cathay's 80th anniversary, reinforcing the airline's commitment to providing an elevated customer experience whilst promoting local culture. Bernard Chan remarked, "As one of the world’s leading cultural arts hubs, WestK has strived to expand its network of partnerships, implementing its dual ‘bringing in’ and ‘going global’ strategies to foster Hong Kong’s development into an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange." The aircraft will serve as a flying ambassador for Hong Kong, showcasing the city's vibrant cultural scene to the world. This initiative is expected to enhance Hong Kong's reputation as a centre for international cultural exchange, aligning with both organisations' long-term goals This story was selected and published by a human editor, with content adapted from original press material using AI tools. Spot an error? Report it here.

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