Cathay's RMB150 Billion Commitment Shows Confidence in Hong Kong, Finance Chief Says

Speaking at Cathay Pacific's 80th anniversary dinner, Financial Secretary Paul Chan said the airline has grown alongside Hong Kong, from its first DC-3 airliner to today's global network. He noted that the government provided support during the pandemic. Chan said aviation connectivity brings Hong Kong opportunities in trade, investment and development.

The national 15th Five-Year Plan explicitly supports Hong Kong in consolidating and enhancing its status as an international aviation hub. The government will align with the Three-Runway System, the new facilities at Terminal 2 and the development of Airport City, and will actively expand air services agreements and traffic rights to strengthen links with the Middle East, Central Asia, Africa and South America. Chan mentioned that Cathay plans to launch a direct route to Almaty, Kazakhstan, in January 2027. Cathay has made an investment commitment of about RMB150 billion.