Last month saw the release of the Cathay Group’s interim results: despite the uncertainty in global trade, they were similar to last year’s first-half figures – thanks in part to a resilient performance by Cathay Cargo. Our capacity rose by more than 8 per cent against last year, as more belly space became available with the Group’s increased passenger flights. The tonnage carried went up by more than 11 per cent, with overall revenues growing by 2.2 per cent. 

As we move into the second half of the year,  the external environment remains uncertain, but we will remain vigilant and agile, and continue to serve demand where it arises. While we continue to face global trade disruptions, our sales teams have done a great job in finding new sources of cargo and opening new trade lanes in response. 

I’d also like to pay tribute to our operations teams here in Hong Kong. Following July’s typhoon, we have had some unprecedented rainstorms, with 600mm of rain in one week and more than 5,000 lightning strikes in one day, forcing airport operations to cease almost hourly. Our quick recovery from unavoidable disruption while keeping our customers informed is indicative of our operational agility too. A big thanks to the team. 

Read more: The Cathay Group’s 2025 Interim Results

A refreshed solution for dangerous goods

The latest of our specialist shipment solutions to undergo a refresh is one that is very important to me. The Cathay Dangerous Goods solution sounds counterintuitive to someone whose role is to promote and prioritise safety in all our operations. But in fact, our ability to carry items from every class of dangerous goods outlined in the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations demonstrates our expertise and – yes – our commitment to safety. In the feature below, we outline some of the goods that we may carry on board from each of the nine classes. Some may surprise you.

Read more: Need to know: the nine classes of dangerous goods 

Powering up safety for lithium battery carriage

Alongside the Cathay Dangerous Goods refresh, we are working closely with our industry partners to mitigate the risks associated with lithium battery shipments. Already this summer, we have been recertified for IATA’s CEIV Lithium Batteries. And this month, we hosted a Carrier Liaison Group event for key players from airlines, government, and freight forwarding, chaired by our own Calvin Hui, Head of Cargo Operations, Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area. Hui presented the Enhanced Lithium Battery Screening Programme, which aims to bolster safety when shipping lithium batteries from our hub by ensuring that cargo is consistently pre-screened on forwarders’ premises before being received by Hong Kong’s terminal operators. 

Read more: How we're making lithium-ion battery shipments safer

A warm welcome on board

Last month, we welcome a new member of the senior leadership team: Toby Griffiths, Head of Cargo Global Sales and Customer Solutions. He brings to the role a comprehensive background in sales and customer liaisons after 12 years working in ocean freight. As well as looking after our special shipment solutions, Griffiths will also help develop our cargo market, while providing the necessary support and tools to our global sales teams to enhance quality and consistency worldwide. As he starts his Cathay Cargo career, we find out how he is adapting to the change of mode.

Read more: From sea to air with our new sales and solutions expert

Stop press: sustainability and intermodal links

Last month, we were pleased to welcome DHL Express into the Cathay Corporate SAF Programme. It has committed to buying 2,400 tonnes of SAF for three routes operated by Air Hong Kong, our wholly owned subsidiary, which operates express cargo services for DHL Express. 

We’ve also taken part in successful proving trials of the Air-Land Fresh Lane, which enables intermodal perishable shipments to enter the wider Greater Bay Area under one air waybill via Hong Kong to Zhuhai. Under the initiative, trucks can travel with a transhipment certificate for Chinese Mainland Customs to check at the border at Zhuhai for quick clearance. This new time- and cost-saving process opens up export opportunities to this huge consumer market. 

You can read more about these initiatives next month.