Cathay Pacific is Google’s first commercial airline partner in Asia-Pacific to trial its AI-powered contrail mitigation technology, and the first airline globally to test contrail avoidance on ultra-long-haul flights. 

The companies have started trials to evaluate the operational feasibility and constraints of contrail avoidance across Cathay Pacific’s extensive global network. The trials will contribute valuable new data to global contrail research and advance understanding of contrail formation and avoidance in the Asia-Pacific region, which has been underrepresented in previous trials. The real-world data gathered through the trial would help the industry better understand the climate benefits of contrail avoidance in actual operational environments.

The thin white lines that sometimes form behind aircraft in the sky are known as contrails, or condensation trails. They form when aircraft fly through certain cold, humid conditions at high altitude. While many disappear quickly, some persist and spread into broader cloud formations that can trap heat in the atmosphere. 

Previous research suggests these persistent contrails could account for around one-third of aviation’s total climate impact, making them an important area of study alongside carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions.

Cathay recognises aviation’s contribution to climate change and is working to address climate impacts through multiple approaches. Reducing CO₂ emissions remains a primary focus for Cathay through fleet modernisation, operational efficiency improvements and the adoption of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). At the same time, the airline recognises the importance of growing scientific understanding of non-CO₂ climate effects, including contrails. 

Through this partnership, Cathay Pacific and Google are supporting contrail research using real-world operational data from flight trials. The insights will help build further understanding of the impact and possible actions airlines can take against individual contrails, while exploring how contrail avoidance could be implemented and managed at scale across the aviation industry.

AI in the cockpit shows encouraging early results

Google’s contrail mitigation solution combines AI-based predictive models, satellite imagery detection tools, and extensive weather intelligence to forecast contrail-forming zones. This actionable data allows flight dispatchers and pilots to make informed altitude adjustments, navigating around these zones much like they routinely do to avoid turbulence.

Onboard, Cathay Pacific leverages its modernised fleet capabilities, combining in-flight Wi-Fi connectivity with its proprietary, in-house developed Electronic Flight Folder (EFF). The EFF system equips pilots with dynamic Google contrail forecasts alongside real-time operational parameters, enabling seamless decision-making in the cockpit without disrupting normal operations.

An operational trial began in late 2025, with more than 100 flights targeted across Cathay Pacific’s network. Over 80 flights followed contrail-avoidance routes[1], and Google estimates that these flights achieved roughly a 40% reduction in the warming impact of contrails.

The Hong Kong-Singapore corridor was one of the routes tested, as flights in this airspace frequently encounter conditions where persistent contrails form. Early analysis indicates that minor altitude adjustments can successfully prevent contrails, with actions taken on this single route accounting for more than 50% of the trial’s total climate impact.

Cathay Director Digital and IT Lawrence Fong said: “Aviation needs solutions to address climate change, and AI is accelerating that progress. This partnership combines Cathay’s operational expertise with Google’s world-class AI capabilities to tackle complex sustainability challenges at scale. At Cathay, we believe innovation should deliver tangible and meaningful impact, and this collaboration sets a new benchmark for leadership in our industry.”

Google Hong Kong Managing Director and General Manager, Michael Yue, said: “At Google, we believe AI has the power to help address complex environmental challenges, and our partnership with Cathay Pacific is a prime example of this in action—researching how predictive AI can be deployed in live operations to help address the climate impact of contrails with today’s aircraft and today’s fuel. This work reflects our ongoing commitment to developing sustainable solutions that deliver lasting impact, and we’re excited to expand our trial with Cathay Pacific and continue contributing to open climate science together.”

Shaping the future of aviation

The initial trial provided valuable experience integrating predictive AI data into live flight planning to support contrail avoidance at flight level, while bringing together the operational and technical stakeholders needed to make such trials possible. While the partnership delivered encouraging results on individual flights, further trials and research are needed to assess the benefits of applying contrail avoidance measures across airlines and airspaces. Such robust scientific evidence will enable further industry considerations and policy development by airlines, regulators, and other industry players.

Therefore, the partners are embarking on a larger second phase of flight trials to generate a broader set of real-world operational data and further insights across Cathay Pacific’s Asia and transpacific network. Contrails.org, a nonprofit initiative dedicated to advancing the science of contrail mitigation, is also a partner in the project. The ongoing partnership aims to generate a robust operational dataset to further scientific understanding of contrail avoidance and inform future industry best practices.

(Source: Cathay Pacific)

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According to the listing application materials, ClubMed Lifestyle Group operates premium all-inclusive resorts under the Club Med brand.

It also expands its vacation offerings, including Integrated Vacation Destinations and Cultural-Tourism Complexes through an asset-light model, as it continues to build diversified vacation lifestyles.

Club Med is the core brand of ClubMed Lifestyle Group. According to the listing application materials, Club Med was the world’s largest all-inclusive resort brand by revenue in 2025, ranking first in both Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and Asia-Pacific. By number of resorts in 2025, Club Med is also the world’s largest mountain and ski resort brand.

To date, Club Med has established a global sales network spanning six continents and more than 40 countries and regions. It operates 69 premium resorts worldwide across a diverse range of destinations, including mountain and ski locations and sun-and-beach destinations. It is also the only resort brand with a presence in all four of the world’s major ski destinations.

According to the listing application materials, ClubMed Lifestyle Group’s revenue increased from EUR1.86 billion in 2023 to EUR1.95 billion in 2025, while gross profit rose from EUR540 million to EUR590 million. Adjusted EBITDA reached EUR390 million in 2025, with the adjusted EBITDA margin rising to 20.2% in 2025.

In 2026, Club Med was named to TIME’s list of the 100 Most Influential Companies in the world, becoming the only hotel and resort brand included that year.

ClubMed Lifestyle Group is expanding its vacation offerings through an asset-light model as it continues to build diversified vacation lifestyles. In terms of market size, the global vacation lifestyle market is expected to grow from USD2.5 trillion in 2025 to USD3.5 trillion in 2030.

Proceeds from the proposed listing will fund the expansion and upgrade of its global resort business.

(Source: Fosun)

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With core cities like Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Guangzhou, the GBA remains an economic powerhouse. Its GDP of USD2.15 trillion makes it the world’s 10^th-largest economy. At the same time, Hong Kong, home to 40% of the GBA’s high-net-worth families (RMB10 million+), alone spent USD30.3 billion on outbound travel in 2025, with residents making 15.7 departures per capita annually.

ITE2026 – the 40^th anniversary edition – featured 602 exhibitors from 69 countries/regions and drew 8,442 trade buyers (20% from Guangdong, 16% from other Chinese provinces and 17% from other Asian markets). Trade visitors included 54% travel agents and 22% MICE professionals. Public attendance exceeded 74,000 frequent and affluent travellers: 75% took multiple holidays in 2025 and 63% plan higher travel budgets in 2026.

Pre- and post-show online interest was strong: 881,102 visits to ITE’s trade website www.itehk.com from March to July 2026 – peaking at 290,670 in June.

ITE’s B2B programme includes Business Matching (buyers seated by markets, exhibitors come to them), KOL networking sessions, and rentable in-hall meeting rooms for hosting workshops or presentations. The B2C programme features over 100 seminars and themed displays.

(Source: ITE Hong Kong)

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AAHK has continued to implement its Ascend sustainability strategy, focusing on 24 strategic goals across four sustainability pillars: Environmental Excellence, Operational Excellence, Thriving Economies and Societies, and Thriving People.

Highlights of this year’s Sustainability Report

Overview

HKIA’s Flood Resilience Studies were honoured with the highest Platinum award at the Airports Council International Asia-Pacific & Middle East Green Airports Recognition 2026.

For the first time, the Sustainability Report incorporated a Nature-related Financial Disclosure Statement, making HKIA one of the first airports in Asia to adopt the recommendations of the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures.

AAHK strengthened its double materiality assessment, which identifies sustainability-related impacts, risks, and opportunities for stakeholders and the authority, through an in-depth review of the global risk context, value chain mapping, and megatrend analysis.

Environmental excellence

AAHK achieved a target to increase its recyclables recovery rate by 25% by 2025 against a 2018 baseline, demonstrating its commitment to waste management.

Completed deployment and monitoring of 500 additional artificial reef units in North Lantau waters to provide additional shelter and nursery grounds for marine species.

Thriving economies and societies

New passenger departure facilities and the Coach Hall at the expanded Terminal 2 (T2) were commissioned, strengthening HKIA’s capacity to meet growing passenger demand while enhancing passenger experience.

Launched the “Park & Fly” and “Park & Visit” services. “Park & Fly” allows eligible vehicles from Guangdong and Macao to travel via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) to an automated car park adjacent to HKIA for onward flights worldwide. In contrast, “Park & Visit” allows travellers arriving by car via the HZMB to park at designated facilities and conveniently visit destinations across Hong Kong.

Operational excellence

Conducted 36 drills and exercises, including a full-scale passenger departures trial at T2 and an aircraft crash and rescue exercise, as well as 79 training sessions and workshops, covering various operational and emergency scenarios to reinforce HKIA’s ability to operate reliably under a wide range of conditions.

Substantially completed Phase 2 of the Digital Apron and Tower Management System, installing eight additional cameras across the Three-runway System (3RS) to strengthen real-time monitoring, situational awareness and operational planning.

Implemented the Arrival Baggage Tracking System and launched a real-time visualisation dashboard at Terminal 1 baggage halls to track baggage movement from aircraft stands.

Completed the first phase development of a human-like customer service avatar powered by a Generative Artificial Intelligence system to handle trilingual passenger enquiries.

Thriving people

AAHK enhanced the Staff Recognition Programme with a structured, three-tier recognition framework to strengthen our culture of appreciation across the organisation.

Over 94,000 hours of in-person and online training were conducted, including sessions delivered by managerial staff who share their expertise on diverse topics to broaden perspectives and support professional development

(Source: AAHK)

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Overall passenger growth in July was primarily driven by a double-digit increase in transfer/transit passengers, with Hong Kong residents and visitors posting modest gains. Most markets expanded in July, while the decline in the Middle East continued to narrow.

Over the first seven months of the year, passenger volume saw 11.2% year-on-year growth to 38.4 million, while flight movements increased by 4.0% to 234,905. On a 12-month rolling basis, passenger volume rose by 12.6% year-on-year to 64.8 million, while flight movements increased by 5.3% to 403,670.

On the cargo front, cargo volume recorded a year-on-year decline of 1.9% to 422,000 tonnes in July 2026. During the month, transshipments and imports recorded 14.5% and 2.9% growth, respectively, while exports declined by 8.4% year-on-year. By region, Southeast Asia and the Chinese Mainland remained resilient, helping to offset softer traffic from Europe and North America amid shifting global trade patterns.

From January to July this year, cargo traffic grew 14% in Southeast Asia and 11% in Europe, offsetting declines in North America and the Middle East and driving total cargo throughput over the seven months up 3.2% year on year to 2.92 million tonnes. Over the past 12 months, total cargo throughput grew 3.2% year on year to 5.16 million tonnes.

Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) Director of Hub Development, Airport Chapman Fong said: “The global air cargo market continues to navigate a complex operating environment shaped by a changing trade landscape. Despite these challenges, HKIA’s extensive air network and exceptional efficiency have enabled air cargo operators to adapt by rapidly rerouting cargo and adjusting logistics arrangements. The growth in markets like Southeast Asia and the Chinese Mainland underscores the resilience of Hong Kong’s role as a leading international cargo hub.”

Meanwhile, HKIA has been named the Most Influential Airport Brand of the Year 2025 by Civil Aviation Passenger Service Evaluation (CAPSE), an independent civil aviation evaluation body in the Chinese Mainland. The award was based on an assessment of 44 major airports in the region, each handling more than 10 million passengers annually. Evaluation criteria included factors such as brand awareness, brand trust and innovation capability, drawing on the perceptions and experiences of travellers in the Chinese Mainland.

AAHK Executive Director Corporate Development William Ho said: “We are honoured to be recognised as the Most Influential Airport Brand by CAPSE. As the preferred international gateway for the Greater Bay Area, HKIA has been strengthening its connectivity with the region and the Chinese Mainland through an extensive intermodal transport network, providing passengers with seamless access to destinations worldwide. HKIA will continue to strengthen its position as Asia’s leading aviation hub by enhancing the passenger journey through smart technologies, operational excellence and customer-centric services.”

(Source: AAHK)

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Cathay Pacific and HK Express together carried around 3.5 million passengers, a 9% increase from the same period last year.

Cathay Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Lavinia Lau said: “Marking the start of the traditional summer travel peak, July  Cargo also continued to see tonnage growth with Cathay Cargo carrying around 149,000 tonnes of cargo, a 6% increase year on year. However, jet fuel prices increased again in July due to the escalation of tensions in the Middle East, following a period of decreasing jet fuel prices in the previous months.”

Cathay Pacific

Cathay Pacific carried 9% more passengers in July 2026 compared with July 2025, while Available Seat Kilometres (ASKs) increased by 5%. In the first seven months of 2026, the number of passengers carried increased by 16% compared with the same period for 2025.

Lau said: “We observed robust leisure travel demand across our network in July. The first half of the month was driven by long-haul traffic from students and those visiting friends and relatives, followed by leisure travel to regional destinations in the second half as the summer holiday period began. Looking ahead, summer travel demand is looking strong. Our recent ‘80th AnniFAREsary’ promotional campaign was also well received by customers in our home market, further supporting demand.”

Cathay Cargo

Cathay Cargo carried 6% more cargo in July 2026 than in July 2025, while Available Freight Tonne Kilometres (AFTKs) were at a similar level. In the first seven months of 2026, the total tonnage increased by 8% compared with the same period for 2025.

HK Express

HK Express carried around 760,000 passengers in July 2026, up 10% year on year, while Available Seat Kilometres (ASKs) increased by 8%. In the first seven months of 2026, the number of passengers carried increased by 10% compared with the same period for 2025.

Lau noted: “Entering the summer travel peak, HK Express’s Thailand and Chinese Mainland routes were particularly popular in July. Our newly launched daily direct service to Wuxi has also been well received by customers, with the route seeing strong load factors. Turning to August, summer travel demand remains robust, and bookings continue to track healthily.”

(Source: Cathay Group)

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Available to World Legend, World Elite and World Mastercard cardholders travelling through Hong Kong, the benefit can be accessed regardless of where their card was issued. 

Located in Terminal 1 near Gate 40, Mastercard’s Taste by Priceless is designed for travellers seeking distinctive dining experiences. Blending culinary storytelling, local chef-led programming and immersive design, Taste by Priceless is offered as part of The Mastercard Collection, Mastercard’s globally connected portfolio of exceptional dining, entertainment and travel benefits. Through The Mastercard Collection, eligible cardholders can access premium experiences throughout their journey.

Taste by Priceless in Hong Kong features seasonal menus co-created with acclaimed chefs, blending Asian and Western cuisine with celebrated local culinary heritage. It offers distinct dining experiences, designed to accommodate travellers’ preferences and schedules:  

The Counter — An intimate, chef-led tasting featuring a multi-course menu with dishes such as Shiso & Romaine Salad and Superior Chicken Soup 

The Cove — A relaxed à la carte setting offering refined tapas-style dishes including Pil Pil Prawns and Miso Glazed Cauliflower 

The dining experience is complemented by a selection of Mastercard’s signature desserts and cocktails, created exclusively for Taste by Priceless venues around the world. 

Located at one of the world’s leading international aviation hubs, this Taste by Priceless opening reinforces Mastercard’s strategy of meeting premium travellers where global journeys converge. For example, a Mastercard cardholder from London can enjoy an elevated meal at the Taste by Priceless dining club in Hong Kong International Airport before their return flight home. 

World Legend cardholders enjoy unlimited complimentary access for themselves and up to three guests, while World Elite and World cardholders may access Taste by Priceless at a preferential rate. Once admitted, guests can enjoy the full Taste by Priceless experience, including chef-curated dining, signature desserts and beverages, all included in their visit. Eligible cardholders can access the dining club within three hours of departure, with no prior reservation required. 

Beyond dining, the venue has been designed as an immersive, multi-sensory space that blends Mastercard’s brand heritage with local cultural influences. At its heart is a commissioned installation by emerging Chinese artist Xinran Guan, whose oil paintings explore harmony between the material and immaterial. 

The launch of Taste by Priceless in Hong Kong expands Mastercard’s growing portfolio of elevated airport dining experiences for cardholders, joining Taste by Priceless at Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) in São Paulo and a new location slated to open in Mexico City later this year. Beyond the airport, cardholders can also enjoy exceptional dining experiences through Mastercard’s broader Priceless portfolio, including LUMA at Hong Kong’s historic 1881 Heritage and Priceless restaurants in Rome, Mexico City and São Paulo. 

(Source: Mastercard)

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The Cathay Group, including its airlines, subsidiaries, and associates, declared an attributable profit of HKD6.2 billion in the first half of 2026, compared with HKD3.7 billion in the first half of 2025. ​

The attributable profit for H1 2026 included non-recurring gains of HKD1 billion, mainly from the non-cash deemed partial disposal gain of approximately HKD1.4 billion arising from the dilution of the group’s equity interest in Air China Limited.

The group’s first-half result has allowed it to announce a first interim dividend to ordinary shareholders of HK26 cents per share, totalling HKD1.6 billion. This represents a 30% increase per ordinary share when compared with the first interim dividend of 2025.

Cathay Group Chair Guy Bradley said: “The Cathay Group achieved a strong financial performance in the first half of 2026. Our result was positively impacted by ongoing underlying demand for Cathay Pacific and Cathay Cargo, improved performance from HK Express, and stronger contributions from associates. As a Group, we carried more passengers and cargo and operated more flights than in the first half of 2025.

“Having got off to a strong start in the first quarter, we faced a more challenging second quarter due to the situation in the Middle East and the resulting significant increase in jet fuel prices. This resulted in our jet fuel costs almost doubling from the first quarter to the second quarter. That we were able to achieve our first-half performance despite these circumstances is testament to the resilience we have built into our business in recent years.”

The group’s airlines and subsidiaries reported an attributable profit of HKD4.9 billion for the first half of 2026, compared with HKD3.8 billion in the first half of 2025. The net results from associates, the majority of which are recognised three months in arrears, reflected an attributable profit of HKD410 million, compared with a loss of HKD181 million in the first half of 2025.

Investments raising the bar for customers

Cathay continues to make important investments to drive its long-term growth, elevate the customer experience, and enhance connectivity at its home hub, Hong Kong.

Bradley said: “We have already committed around HKD150 billion in investments into our fleet, cabin and lounge products, and digital innovation. ​ This investment reflects our commitment to growing our business for the long term, contributing to the development of Hong Kong as an international aviation hub and thereby leading to even greater opportunities for Cathay and Hong Kong as a whole.

“Looking ahead in the next 10 years, we target to have 150 new aircraft join our fleet, and a network serving 150 destinations, if the market conditions are favourable. These aircraft would provide more capacity to support our growth plans and help build connectivity at our home hub.”

Cathay continues to elevate the customer experience both in the air and on the ground. In addition to retrofitting more of its Boeing 777-300ER aircraft with its award-winning Aria Suite, new Premium Economy and refreshed Economy cabins, Cathay Pacific will introduce its all-new Aria Studio Business class and a new Economy cabin onboard its regional Airbus A330 aircraft by the end of this year.

The airline is also enhancing its existing cabin products, including providing customers with more legroom in the Economy cabins on its Airbus A321neo aircraft by removing some seats. ​

On the ground, having reopened its flagship Hong Kong lounge The Wing earlier this year, Cathay Pacific will open its first-ever lounge in New York when it moves into the newly redeveloped Terminal 6 at John F Kennedy International Airport, which is currently scheduled to open later this year. Customers can also look forward to a redesigned lounge experience at The Wing, Business in Hong Kong and the Cathay Pacific Lounge in Tokyo Narita in 2027.

Meanwhile, Cathay Cargo continues to strengthen its freighter fleet to support its growth plans. This has included increasing its Airbus A350F freighter order to eight aircraft and signing a lease agreement for an A330P2F converted freighter for Air Hong Kong, which will primarily operate freighter services for Cathay Cargo.

(Source: Cathay Group)

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The launch of “Park & Visit” follows the expansion of the Southbound Travel Scheme to all nine Mainland GBA cities. The newly added Mainland cities are Shenzhen, Dongguan, Huizhou, Foshan and Zhaoqing, joining Guangzhou, Zhongshan, Zhuhai and Jiangmen.

Applications for “Park & Visit” opened on 16 July for eligible vehicles from the nine Mainland GBA cities and Macao. Successful applicants may drive via the HZMB to the automated car park operated by Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) in the restricted area on the Hong Kong Port Island. 

The visitors may then leave their vehicles with the automated parking system, take a shuttle to the Passenger Clearance Building of the Hong Kong Port to complete immigration procedures, and continue their journeys across Hong Kong by public transport. On their return, visitors will retrieve their vehicles after completing departure clearance at the Hong Kong Port and drive back via the HZMB.

A welcome event was led by Mable Chan, Secretary for Transport and Logistics; Winnie Tse, Commissioner of Transport; and Steven Yiu, Executive Director, Airport Operations of AAHK, who greeted the first “Park & Visit” users from Guangzhou on 16 July.

Chan said: “We thank AAHK for its continued support for ‘Southbound Travel for Guangdong Vehicles’. The launch of ‘Park & Fly’ at the end of last year marked the first step in this initiative, connecting two world-class infrastructure projects — the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and Hong Kong International Airport. Today’s launch of ‘Park & Visit’ marks another milestone. Eligible private car owners from Guangdong and Macao, who have booked and confirmed a parking space, can park their vehicles at the fully automated car park at the Hong Kong Port and enjoy an impromptu trip to Hong Kong. Today is also the first day of the expanded arrangements for visitors from more cities to drive into Hong Kong’s urban area, with the daily quota for pre-booked trips doubled to 200 vehicles. I encourage visitors to make use of the park-and-ride arrangement when travelling into the urban areas and explore the charms of Hong Kong’s districts through our world-class public transport system.”

Yiu said, “‘Park & Visit’ provides a convenient option for visitors to leave their vehicles at our fully automated car park at the Hong Kong Port and then visit different attractions on Lantau Island by public transport. We are working with business partners on Lantau and other supporting organisations to offer discounts and other privileges, with a view to attracting more visitors to Hong Kong and injecting added momentum into tourism.”

Meanwhile, HKIA’s “Park & Fly” service, launched in November last year, has also been extended to cover the entire GBA. Eligible passengers from the nine Mainland GBA cities can now drive via the HZMB to the automated car park and fly from HKIA to global destinations without having to go via Hong Kong immigration procedures. Applying advanced technology to ensure efficiency and security, the automated car park developed and operated by AAHK for “Park & Fly” and “Park & Visit” is Hong Kong’s first fully automated parking service.

(Source: HKIA)

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Cathay Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Lavinia Lau said: “The Cathay Group continued our growth momentum in June, although jet fuel prices remained elevated. Cathay Pacific and HK Express carried a combined total of more than 3.1 million passengers, while Cathay Cargo carried around 145,000 tonnes of cargo, both representing an increase of 9% year on year.

“Meanwhile, we continue to enhance connectivity for our customers, with HK Express having recently launched direct daily flights to Wuxi, further expanding the Group’s network in the Chinese Mainland.”

Cathay Pacific

Cathay Pacific carried 12% more passengers in June 2026 compared with June 2025, while Available Seat Kilometres (ASKs) increased by 6%. In the first six months of 2026, the number of passengers carried increased by 17% compared with the same period for 2025.

Lau said: “The start of June has historically been a softer period for passenger travel demand, but this year load factors remained elevated, amplified by increased traffic through Hong Kong due to the Middle East situation. This was further supported by the mid-month Dragon Boat Festival long weekend, which drove healthy outbound demand from Hong Kong to various short-haul destinations, followed by inbound student traffic from long-haul markets in the latter half of the month. Demand in our premium cabins also remained robust, driven by strong corporate and premium leisure travel.

“The outlook for the summer peak remains encouraging, particularly across our long-haul network. Meanwhile, demand from Hong Kong to short-haul destinations continues to be robust, with the Chinese Mainland and other destinations in Northeast Asia being particularly popular.”

Cathay Cargo

Cathay Cargo carried 9% more cargo in June 2026 than in June 2025, while Available Freight Tonne Kilometres (AFTKs) increased by 1%. In the first six months of 2026, the total tonnage increased by 9% compared with the same period for 2025.

“Cargo tonnage recorded a solid year-on-year increase in June. During the month, we saw strong cargo flows from the Chinese Mainland into Southeast Asia alongside steady demand within Southeast Asia. Shipments into the Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong remained resilient. At the same time, our specialist solutions continued to perform well, with semiconductor and pharmaceutical shipments supporting growth in Cathay Expert and Cathay Pharma respectively. Cathay Priority also saw strong demand into Hong Kong, Southeast Asia and the Americas, reflecting shippers’ need for time-definite solutions to replenish inventory.”

HK Express

HK Express carried more than 560,000 passengers in June 2026, a decrease of 4% year on year, while Available Seat Kilometres (ASKs) decreased by 7%. In the first six months of 2026, the number of passengers carried increased by 10% compared with the same period for 2025.

Lau said: “As with previous years, June is typically a period of softer travel demand for HK Express. That said, a few regions sustained solid performance during the month, with the Chinese Mainland, the Philippines and Thailand all recording passenger load factors above 85% — a double-digit percentage point increase compared with June the previous year. HK Express saw a reduction in year-on-year capacity in June 2026 due to the consolidation of a small number of flights to mitigate part of its increased fuel costs, as was announced in April 2026. Turning to the summer travel peak, bookings for July are ahead of last year.”

First-half 2026 financial performance

The group is expected to record a consolidated profit attributable to shareholders of approximately HKD6.0 to HKD6.5 billion for the six months ended 30 June 2026 (First-Half 2026), which includes a gain on deemed partial disposal of associates of approximately HKD1.4 billion arising from the dilution of the group’s equity interest in Air China Limited, as disclosed in the company’s May 2026 Traffic Figures announcement dated 23 June 2026. This compares with a profit attributable to shareholders of around HKD3.7 billion for the six months ended 30 June 2025.

The group’s first-half 2026 results were also positively impacted by continued solid demand for Cathay Pacific and Cathay Cargo, improved performance from HK Express, and stronger contributions from associates.

(Source: Cathay Pacific)

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