The Cathay Group has announced a robust increase in both passenger and cargo traffic for May 2026, with Cathay Pacific and HK Express together transporting over 3.3 million passengers, marking a 14% rise compared to May 2025. Cathay Cargo also reported a significant 11% year-on-year increase, carrying over 150,000 tonnes of cargo.
Cathay's Chief Customer and Commercial Officer, Lavinia Lau, highlighted the company's ongoing expansion efforts, noting the planned launch of direct flights to Almaty in early 2027, which will be Cathay's first destination in Central Asia. Additionally, HK Express is set to begin daily flights to Wuxi in July.
Cathay Pacific experienced a 17% increase in passenger numbers compared to the previous year, with a high load factor of 87% driven by strong demand during the Golden Week and the Buddha’s Birthday long weekend. Lau expressed optimism for the summer travel season, particularly for long-haul routes.
Cathay Cargo's growth was supported by strong demand on key trade routes, especially between the Chinese Mainland and Southeast Asia. The company also announced the purchase of two additional Airbus A350F freighters, enhancing its cargo fleet.
HK Express saw a 5% increase in passenger numbers in May 2026 compared to the previous year, with Southeast Asia routes remaining popular. The airline's service to Beijing Daxing recorded a load factor exceeding 90%.
Financially, Cathay Group expects to recognise a gain of approximately $179 million (HK$1.4 billion) in the first half of 2026 due to a reduction in its equity interest in Air China
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