Cathay Group Unveils 2024 Sustainability Report

The latest sustainability report from Cathay Group outlines important milestones towards sustainable development in aviation, published today, April 8.

This report highlights cohesive progress the Cathay Group continues to make in its sustainability journey, affirming commitment to long-term sustainable growth.

As Cathay progresses into a new growth phase, maintaining sustainability as a top priority is crucial.

According to group CEO Ronald Lam:

“Having successfully completed our two-year rebuilding journey, we have now set our sights on growth and development, where sustainability remains an area where we aspire to lead and is at the forefront of our path forward.” (Translation: After two years of rebuilding, we now focus on sustainable growth.)

Focus on Climate Change

Lam emphasized that the company’s environmental commitment remains centered on climate change and a circular economy.
He stated:

“As a pioneer and early adopter of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), we continue to work towards fostering a local SAF ecosystem and expanding SAF usage globally, while acknowledging the challenges and opportunities ahead.”
(Translation: We aim to lead in sustainable aviation fuel while recognizing future challenges.)

Cathay also aims to lessen reliance on single-use plastics and looks for alternative packaging.
Additionally, the Group is dedicated to its foundational roots in Hong Kong, investing in youth, sports, and arts initiatives as it aspires to enhance its global talent pool.

Local SAF Ecosystem

The airline recently formed a significant tripartite SAF partnership with HSBC Hong Kong and EcoCeres, ensuring SAF utilization from Hong Kong International Airport.

It also co-established the Hong Kong Sustainable Aviation Fuel Coalition (HKSAFC) to enhance the development and adoption of SAF policies.

Globally, Cathay’s Corporate SAF Programme saw a 22-fold increase in SAF usage since its inception in 2022.

Leadership in Circular Economy and Community Development

Cathay Pacific has reduced the average number of single-use plastic items to 2.6 per passenger.

By 2025, the airline aims for inflight water bottle recycling to hit 33% and for 50% of remaining passenger-facing plastics to be made from recycled materials.

Furthermore, Cathay introduced a pioneering workflow to recycle plastic bottles and cans at Hong Kong International Airport.

2024 also marks the 20th anniversary of its flagship youth development program I Can Fly, which has expanded its initiatives after a five-year pause.