Speech by FS at Cathay 80 Years Together Dinner (English only)(with photos)
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Guy (Chair of Cathay Group, Mr Guy Bradley), Deputy Director Zhang Yong (Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region), Deputy Commissioner Li Yongsheng (Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region), Ronald (Chief Executive Officer of Cathay Group, Mr Ronald Lam), Consuls-General, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good evening.
It is a great pleasure to celebrate Cathay Pacific's 80th anniversary with you. Tonight, we celebrate not only an airline, but a journey that belongs, in a very special way, to Hong Kong.
From Betsy, your pioneering DC-3, to today's global network, Cathay has grown together with Hong Kong. Even your name speaks of ambition: "Pacific" expressed the dream of crossing that vast ocean, long before the airline could do so. That spirit - starting modestly, thinking boldly and looking outwards - is unmistakably Hong Kong.
For generations, Cathay has been part of life's most meaningful journeys: the first trip abroad, departure for university, a business venture and a long-awaited reunion. And for returning travellers, that familiar welcome on board brings a comforting feeling: home is already a little closer.
Of course, your journey had difficult chapters. During the pandemic, the Government's support reflected our determination to safeguard Hong Kong's status as an international aviation hub and our confidence in Cathay's role within it. That was an investment in our shared future. And it was your people - their professionalism, perseverance and dedication - who helped turn confidence into recovery.
Your work matters far beyond air connections. For Hong Kong, every new route is another opening for trade, investment and opportunity. This is our "super connector" role in practice: bringing businesses to markets, and people to one another.
Looking ahead, the National 15th Five-Year Plan explicitly supports Hong Kong in consolidating and enhancing our status as an international aviation hub. We are determined to translate that support into greater capacity, wider reach and lasting economic benefits.
Our Three-Runway System and newly opened Terminal 2 facilities provide more room for growth. The Airport Authority's expanded Airport City development, SKYTOPIA, will further strengthen our airport's appeal - as both a gateway and a destination.
With these developments, the Government is pursuing new air services agreements and expanded traffic rights, particularly with partners in the Middle East, Central Asia, Africa and South America. These efforts will give airlines more opportunities to expand their networks through Hong Kong and strengthen our Belt and Road connections.
Cathay's plan to launch direct flights to Almaty, Kazakhstan, in January 2027 is a welcome example. It will open a new gateway to Central Asia, creating opportunities for business, tourism, cultural exchanges and deeper friendship between our communities.
As the Government opens the way for wider air links, I encourage Cathay to seize these opportunities and add new destinations to your network.
In an uncertain world, we must pursue these opportunities with prudence as well as confidence. The case for bringing people together and opening up new markets is stronger, not weaker.
Cathay's commitment of around HK$150 billion to aircraft, cabins, lounges and digital innovation is a vote of confidence in Hong Kong's future. I look forward to seeing that investment deliver better journeys for passengers, rewarding careers for local talent, and fresh possibilities for our city.
As Hong Kong's home carrier, you are an ambassador for the city. For many visitors, their first impression of Hong Kong begins with your welcome, before they ever see our skyline. Safety without compromise, service with care and respect, onboard dining experience worthy of Hong Kong's reputation, and professionalism in every detail: these are the qualities that earn trust and make Hong Kong proud.
And, ladies and gentlemen, I am sure passengers would be delighted to see one more thing: your excellent service accompanied by equally attractive fares. Guy and Ronald, I shall leave that in your capable hands.
Happy 80th anniversary, Cathay Pacific. May you continue to bring the world closer to Hong Kong, and Hong Kong closer to the world - and wherever you fly, carry the warmth, ambition and spirit of this city with you. Thank you very much.
Ends/Tuesday, September 15, 2026
Issued at HKT 19:25
Issued at HKT 19:25
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