The Cathay Group recorded solid growth across passenger and cargo operations in August 2025, driven by strong summer travel demand. The airline carried on average more than 110,000 passengers per day during the month.
Passenger growth rose in August
In August, Cathay Pacific’s passenger numbers rose 30% on year, while capacity (as measured by Available Seat Kilometres, ASK) increased by 32%. Over the first eight months of 2025, passenger traffic was up 28% compared to the same period in 2024.
Leisure traffic from Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland toward short-haul destinations remained robust, and there was a resurgence in outbound student travel toward the end of the month. As Cathay’s Chief Customer & Commercial Officer Lavinia Lau observed:
“Marking the second half of the traditional summer travel peak, August was another positive month for our passenger business. As a Group, we are pleased to have carried an average of more than 110,000 passengers per day.”
Demand to Japan showed tentative signs of recovery, though it remained below 2024 levels. The carrier reinstated four weekly services to Brussels and achieved a load factor exceeding 85% on that route.
Cargo performance
Cathay Cargo also delivered strong results in August, with tonnage up 13 per cent and Available Freight Tonne Kilometres rising 15 per cent year-on-year. On a year-to-date basis, cargo tonnage increased by 11 per cent.
The robust cargo performance was underpinned by strong demand from the U.S. and growth in dangerous goods shipments — notably lithium batteries bound for Oceania. Additionally, Cathay confirmed a new weekly freighter service to Madrid will commence on October 13.
HK Express results
Cathay’s low-cost arm, HK Express, also posted gains. In August, passenger numbers rose 36 per cent and capacity increased by 41 per cent year-on-year. From January through August 2025, passenger traffic for HK Express climbed 32 per cent.
Nevertheless, load factors on Japan routes were more than 20 percentage points lower than in summer 2024. In response, the airline announced it will offer special fares in September to stimulate demand.
Outlook
Cathay Group plans to continue network expansion into the winter season, rolling out new or enhanced service to Riyadh and Dallas–Fort Worth. Reflecting on the broader strategy, Lau stated: “We remain committed to strengthening our global connectivity while delivering reliable customer-centric service.”
What’s your opinion on Cathay Group’s performance this summer?
