Nan Fang Du Shi Bao·2025-08-06 12:55Core Viewpoint - Cathay Pacific reported a shareholder profit of HKD 3.651 billion for the first half of 2025, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 1.1%, primarily driven by growth in passenger capacity and volume [1][3]. Financial Performance - The "available seat kilometers" increased by approximately 26% year-on-year, while "revenue passenger kilometers" rose by 30% [1]. - The number of "revenue passenger carried" reached approximately 13.63 million, marking a nearly 28% increase compared to the previous year [1]. - The group's associate companies recorded a loss attributable to shareholders of HKD 181 million, significantly narrowing from a loss of HKD 342 million in the same period last year [3]. Dividend Announcement - Based on the first half performance, Cathay Pacific announced an interim dividend of HKD 0.20 per share, totaling HKD 1.3 billion, which is the same as the previous year's interim dividend [3]. Aircraft Acquisition - Cathay Pacific announced the exercise of an option to purchase 14 Boeing 777-9 aircraft, increasing its total order for this model to 35 [3]. - This acquisition positions Cathay as the largest operator of the Boeing 777X series in the Asia-Pacific region, with expectations for improved fuel efficiency and comfort [3]. Strategic Investments - The group’s chairman stated that the total investment, including new aircraft orders, cabin products, airport lounges, and digital innovations, exceeds HKD 100 billion, reinforcing Hong Kong's status as an international aviation hub [5]. - The company highlighted the growing demand for travel to mainland cities in the Greater Bay Area, as evidenced by the recent Canton Fair [5]. Future Growth Strategies - Cathay Pacific's management emphasized the importance of transit passengers for future growth, particularly for hub airlines based in Hong Kong [5]. - The company plans to enhance multimodal transport services, including land and sea connections, to attract more travelers from the Greater Bay Area and beyond [5]. - The Hong Kong government will implement a new passenger departure tax policy starting October 1, which may exempt some transit passengers, potentially attracting more travelers [6].