Cathay Pacific
Cathay Pacific at a glance
Cathay Pacific is the flag carrier of Hong Kong, flying about 180 aircraft from one of aviation's great hubs to some 90 destinations, with group carriers lifting the total past 100. Founded in 1946, it built its name on premium service across the Pacific and the Europe-Asia corridor.
After the harshest pandemic era of any major airline, Cathay under Ronald Lam has completed its rebuild: capacity restored, the new Aria Suite business class rolling across its 777s, more than 100 aircraft on order including A330neos and 777-9s, and Hong Kong's three-runway system finally unlocking growth. Qatar Airways' 2026 exit from its share register returned the ownership focus to Swire and Air China.
Fleet
Cathay's fleet rebuild pairs its A350 backbone with the new Aria Suite rolling across refitted 777-300ERs, and orders for A330neos and 777-9s.
| Aircraft | Role | Fleet Size |
|---|---|---|
| Boeing 777-300ER | Long-haul workhorse, new Aria Suite | ~40 |
| Airbus A330-900 | Regional renewal on order | 30 ordered |
| Boeing 777-9 | Next flagship on order | 21 ordered |
| Airbus A321neo | Regional narrowbody | ~16 |
Hub & route network
Hong Kong International is Cathay's single hub, restored to full strength with the airport's third runway complete; the network of about 90 destinations leans on the Chinese mainland, trans-Pacific routes and the Europe-Asia corridor, with low-cost HK Express adding leisure cities.Alliance & partnerships
A oneworld founder, Cathay's defining shareholder relationship is with Air China, each holding a stake in the other, while Qatar Airways sold its near-10% holding in 2026.Group structure
Cathay Group spans the flag carrier, low-cost HK Express and Air Hong Kong cargo, under the 45% ownership of Swire Pacific with Air China holding about 30%.Full specifications
Latest Cathay Pacific coverage from AeroTime
Frequently asked questions
Swire Pacific holds 45% and Air China about 30%; Qatar Airways sold its near-10% stake in 2026.
Hong Kong International, where the completed three-runway system has restored the hub's capacity for growth.
oneworld, which it co-founded in 1999; its low-cost sibling HK Express sits outside the alliance.