It has been a year marked by geopolitical and economic uncertainty, so it was encouraging to see two powerful displays of long-term confidence in Cathay Cargo, our Hong Kong home hub and the wider opportunities ahead. Recently, we decided to exercise purchase rights for two more Airbus A350F freighters, on top of the existing order. This brings our confirmed orders to eight next-generation freighters, with options for a further 18.

This investment is about growth. It is also a clear demonstration of the Cathay Group’s confidence not only in Cathay Cargo as a business, but also in Hong Kong and the wider Greater Bay Area as a manufacturing, consumer and logistics centre. 

Before their arrival, we are also investing in near-term growth. The Cathay Group has leased an Airbus A330-P2F, which will be operated by Air Hong Kong on behalf of Cathay Cargo. The aircraft will be used primarily for freighter services to and from the Chinese Mainland and other regional destinations, strengthening our capacity and flexibility in both the short and long term.

There was also positive news for our network, with the announcement that Cathay Pacific plans to launch direct passenger services to Almaty, Kazakhstan, in early 2027. This will be our first destination in Central Asia and an important step in strengthening Hong Kong’s connectivity with Belt and Road markets. It also reinforces Cathay’s unique position as a home-grown airline group having deep roots in Hong Kong, being proudly part of China and connecting the world.

Before the launch of Almaty, our freighter crews will gain operating experience in Kazakhstan, as we are moving the intermediate stops for our European freighters from India to Astana until the end of the summer season while our Dubai freighter operations remain suspended. With efforts towards a resolution in the Middle East ongoing, we hope to return to Dubai in the medium term, but we are resuming our freighter service to Riyadh from 1 August. Meanwhile, in another freighter network adjustment, our regular Mumbai service will move across town to Navi Mumbai International Airport while cargo area refurbishment works take place at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.

Despite this period of global and political instability, we continue to look to the long-term future with confidence in our fleet, network and Hong Kong hub. These investments support our ambition to grow with our customers, strengthen Hong Kong’s role as a global aviation and logistics hub, and ensure it remains the air cargo gateway of choice for customers worldwide.

Putting customers first

We have refined our Cargo Service Delivery team so that we can improve the service we offer our customers and be ready to contend with the changes in the air cargo industry, from time- and temperature-sensitive handling requirements to new and evolving regulatory demands. We’re always looking to enhance our operational excellence, and the evolved teams will mean faster response times, more agile solution development and a consistently high standard of service across the network.

Read more: Cathay Cargo tweaks Cargo Service Delivery team

Gratitude shown at gala night

I had a very enjoyable evening this month when we were able to host, recognise and reward the Hong Kong air freight community for their loyalty and support over the past year at the Top Customer Award Dinner. The event was also an opportunity to celebrate 80 years together in our anniversary year with some of our biggest supporters, and among the musical interludes there was also the opportunity to enjoy some of the uniforms worn by our cabin crew over the decades.

Read more: Cathay Cargo hosts top Hong Kong customers at gala event

80 years of our fleet and network

With news about our future fleet and network, we revisit the past and reflect on some of our destinations and aircraft that have shaped our business.

Read more: Fleet and network: by the numbers