Zhi Tong Cai Jing·2026-01-21 09:35Core Viewpoint - Cathay Pacific is experiencing significant growth in passenger and cargo volumes, with projections indicating a strong demand for travel and freight services in 2025, driven by increased capacity and a robust recovery in travel demand post-pandemic [1][2]. Passenger Capacity and Growth - Cathay Pacific's passenger capacity in December 2025 is expected to increase by 22% compared to December 2024, with available seat kilometers rising by 23% [1] - The total passenger volume for 2025 is projected to grow by 27% year-on-year, exceeding 36 million passengers [1] - Hong Kong Express is also seeing growth, with December 2025 passenger numbers expected to exceed 780,000, a 24% increase from December 2024, and an overall annual increase of 30% [1] Cargo Volume and Performance - Cathay Pacific's cargo volume in December 2025 is anticipated to rise by 6% compared to December 2024, with available cargo ton kilometers increasing by 8% [1] - The total cargo volume for 2025 is expected to exceed 1.6 million tons, reflecting a growth of over 9% from 2024 [1] Market Demand and Trends - The demand for inbound travelers is stable, particularly from students returning from North America, Oceania, and the UK, as well as visitors from Northeast Asia, Thailand, and India during the holiday season [1] - Outbound travel demand is notably strong during the holiday peak, especially to Northeast and Southeast Asia, with mainland China emerging as a popular destination for Hong Kong travelers [1] Future Outlook and Safety Recognition - Following the holiday season, flight bookings for the Lunar New Year are steadily increasing, with a focus on leveraging key events in Hong Kong and the region to drive travel demand [2] - Cathay Pacific has been recognized by Airline Ratings as one of the top two safest airlines globally for 2026 in the traditional full-service category, underscoring its commitment to operational safety [2] - Hong Kong Express has also been awarded as the world's safest low-cost airline for two consecutive years, reflecting its high safety standards [2] Special Events and Customer Experience - In 2026, Cathay Pacific plans to celebrate its 80th anniversary with a series of special events, aiming to enhance customer experience and solidify its position as a leading international aviation hub [2]