Core Insights - Cathay Group announced the purchase of 14 additional Boeing 777-9 aircraft, bringing the total order to 35, reinforcing its position as an international aviation hub in Hong Kong [3] - The group reported a profit of HKD 3.7 billion for the first half of 2025, similar to the previous year, driven by increased passenger capacity and lower fuel prices [1][2] - The group plans to distribute an interim dividend of HKD 0.2 per share, totaling HKD 1.3 billion, maintaining the same dividend as the previous year [1] Financial Performance - Cathay Pacific's passenger revenue reached HKD 34.208 billion in the first half of 2025, a 14% increase year-on-year, with a total passenger count of 13.6 million, reflecting a 27.8% growth [2] - The cargo business generated HKD 11.141 billion in revenue, a 2.2% increase, with cargo volume rising by 11.4% to 801,000 tons [2] Operational Developments - The company has successfully increased its flight capacity, achieving a passenger load factor of 84.8%, up from 82.4% in the previous year [2] - Cathay Group is expanding its domestic routes in mainland China, with plans to increase the number of flights and enhance service diversity [4] Strategic Initiatives - The group is focused on modernizing its fleet and enhancing customer experience, with significant investments exceeding HKD 100 billion in new aircraft and digital innovations [1][3] - Cathay is also enhancing its service offerings, including the introduction of new cabin products and the optimization of existing aircraft [4]

Core Viewpoint - Cathay Pacific Group has successfully emerged from the pandemic's impact and is entering a sustained profit cycle, with significant investments planned to enhance its competitive position as Hong Kong's main airline hub [2][3]. Financial Performance - In the first half of 2025, Cathay Group reported revenues of HKD 54.3 billion, a 9.5% increase year-on-year, while net profit was HKD 3.7 billion, reflecting a 1.1% growth [3]. - The group's associated companies reduced their losses to HKD 181 million, down from HKD 342 million in the same period last year [3]. - Passenger volume for Cathay Pacific and HK Express increased by 27.8% and 33.5%, respectively, with available seat kilometers rising by 26.3% and 38.3% [3]. - However, there was a notable decline in yield, with seat kilometer revenue dropping by 9.9% for Cathay Pacific and 27.3% for HK Express [3]. Strategic Investments - Cathay Group announced a total investment exceeding HKD 100 billion for fleet upgrades, cabin products, lounges, and digital transformation [2]. - The group has placed an order for 14 Boeing 777-9 long-range wide-body aircraft, with a catalog price of USD 8.1 billion, increasing its total order for this model to 35 [6][8]. - The new aircraft are expected to be delivered starting in 2027, featuring upgraded first-class products [6]. Market Dynamics - Cathay's summer flight capacity to North America increased by 50%, although it faced challenges due to uncertainties affecting passenger numbers from mainland China [4]. - Despite overall growth, HK Express has not yet turned a profit, raising concerns within the industry [4][5]. - The group remains confident in its dual-brand strategy, particularly with the upcoming third runway at Hong Kong Airport expected to boost the low-cost market [5]. Operational Expansion - Cathay Group achieved its goal of opening 100 new destinations in the first half of the year, with over 300 round-trip flights to 23 mainland destinations and nearly 100 flights to Europe [7][8]. - The group plans to further enhance its network in mainland China, with additional routes and increased flight frequency [8].