Cathay Pacific announced today a possible buy-back agreement of all Cathay shareholdings Qatar Airways hold, reflecting strong development of the airline group and their home base, Hong Kong, as an increasingly growing international and regional aviation hub.
Cathay: Confidence in Regional and International Expansion
On 5 November 2025, Cathay Pacific and Qatar Airways together announced that they have entered an undertaking to buy-back Qatar Airway’s shareholding in Cathay. The total amount would be around 9.57% of the total issued shares of the airline.
Patrick Healy, Cathay Groups’ Chair, says this marks the group’s ambition in their future development:
“The buy-back reflects our strong confidence in the future of the Cathay Group and underscores our commitment to the development of the Hong Kong international aviation hub. Together with our investment of well over HK$100 billion into our fleet, cabin and lounge products, and digital leadership, we are firmly focused on sustainably growing our business to strengthen Hong Kong’s status as a world-class aviation hub and contribute to the prosperity of the wider Greater Bay Area.”
Qatar: Effective Portfolio Management
On the other side of the agreement, Qatar illustrates this act to enter the buy-back procedure for the group’s Cathay shareholdings as a step to effective portfolio management and strategic development to the group, holding responsibility to its stakeholders:
“This agreement reflects Qatar Airways Group’s disciplined approach to portfolio management and our commitment to delivering sustainable value for our shareholders. Following a period of record profitability and strong performance, this decision is part of a proactive strategy to optimise our investments and position the group for long-term growth. “
This buy-back agreement, however, still remains subjective to the approval of Cathay’s independent stakeholders.
What do you think about this buy-back agreement between the two airlines? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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