Cathay Celebrates 80th Anniversary with New Community Commitments

 Airline launches major youth, sports, and volunteering initiatives to uplift Hong Kong

As Cathay marks its 80th anniversary in 2026, the airline is celebrating not just decades of aviation excellence, but also a renewed dedication to the community it calls home. This milestone year sees Cathay unveiling a series of new community initiatives and partnerships, underscoring its enduring focus on youth development, sports, arts and culture.

Central to Cathay’s vision for its anniversary year is the goal to uplift 80,000 lives through a broadened spectrum of community programmes. In pursuit of this, the airline has forged new partnerships with Rugby For Good and HandsOn Hong Kong, aligning with its mission to make a tangible difference across the city.

The announcement of these collaborations coincided with the year’s inaugural Aviation Explorer Days—two consecutive days dedicated to Cathay’s flagship youth development initiative, I Can Fly. Over the weekend, 800 students were given a unique opportunity to delve into Hong Kong’s dynamic aviation sector, experiencing guided tours of Cathay City and engaging in career-sharing sessions with industry professionals.

 “As Hong Kong’s home carrier, we are passionate about promoting and expanding the aviation industry,” remarked Lavinia Lau, Cathay’s Chief Customer and Commercial Officer. “But beyond aviation, we’re committed to being a positive force within our communities, particularly for the next generation. These new initiatives are designed to inspire and empower more young people to chase their ambitions.”

Andy Wong, General Manager of Corporate Affairs, reflected on the milestone: “Cathay’s 80th anniversary stands as a proud chapter in our shared history with Hong Kong. There’s no better way to celebrate than by contributing to the city’s continued growth and development.”

Among the new initiatives is the Cathay GET, SET, MOVE programme, developed in partnership with Rugby For Good. This scheme leverages the power of rugby to foster both mental and physical wellbeing in schools, aligning with the government’s 4R’s charter. “Rugby is more than just a sport—it’s a platform for young people to reflect, connect, and apply new skills in daily life,” explained Rocky Chow, Executive Director of Rugby For Good. “By integrating our programme into PE lessons, we hope to create lasting impact both inside and outside the classroom.”

In addition, Cathay is joining forces with HandsOn Hong Kong as Lead Partner for 2026, supporting the charity’s mission to make volunteering more accessible across the city. “We see a strong willingness among Hong Kongers to volunteer,” noted Lisa Lam, Deputy Executive Director of HandsOn Hong Kong. “Our hope is to provide a platform that encourages and enables more people to get involved in supporting local charities.”

Wong highlighted the strategic nature of these collaborations: “We already enjoy a longstanding relationship with Hong Kong China Rugby, making the partnership with Rugby For Good a natural fit. As for HandsOn Hong Kong, this marks our first collaboration, and we’re eager to see how it can benefit our staff and the wider community, helping everyone to lead more positive and meaningful lives.”

With these forward-thinking initiatives, Cathay is not only commemorating its rich legacy but also investing in the future of Hong Kong, reaffirming its role as both an aviation leader and a committed community partner.