Cathay Pacific set to expand its ASEAN network
To capitalise on regional growth
Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong’s flagship carrier, is set to enhance its presence in the ASEAN region following a pivotal visit by Cathay Group Chief Executive Officer Ronald Lam to Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam.
The six-day trip concluded on August 2, 2024, highlighting the airline’s strategic focus on leveraging regional opportunities and strengthening Hong Kong’s central international aviation hub role.
Accompanied by Hong Kong SAR Government Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, Lam’s visit included a series of high-profile meetings and site tours, offering a closer look at local enterprises and critical infrastructure projects.
The journey underscored Cathay’s commitment to expanding its network and fostering deeper trade, commerce, technology, and tourism connections between Hong Kong and the ASEAN markets.
“The potential within the ASEAN region is immense,” said Ronald Lam. “As Hong Kong’s home carrier, Cathay is dedicated to furthering the city’s position as a global aviation hub. Our recent visit demonstrates our confidence in the ASEAN market and our intention to bolster our regional network and collaborations.”
360 weekly flights
Currently, the Cathay Group, which encompasses Cathay Pacific and HK Express, serves 17 destinations in ASEAN with over 360 weekly flights. This extensive network reflects the airline’s ongoing dedication to enhancing global connectivity and fortifying Hong Kong’s status as an international aviation hub.
Cathay Pacific celebrates 75 years of operations in Vietnam this year, underscoring the airline’s significance to the Vietnamese market. Cathay Pacific and HK Express currently service Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Danang, and a new route to Phu Quoc will be introduced in the fourth quarter of 2024.
Earlier this year, Cathay Pacific welcomed over 170 Vietnamese cabin crew members, showcasing its commitment to integrating skilled professionals from the region into its workforce. Another recruitment drive is scheduled for later this month.
In Cambodia, Lam signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Cyril Girot, CEO of Cambodia Airports, to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
As part of this agreement, Cathay Pacific will increase its flight frequency to Phnom Penh from five to daily starting October 27, 2024, in response to growing demand and confidence in the Cambodian market.
The strategic expansion across ASEAN aligns with Cathay’s broader goals. It is driven by the upcoming completion of Hong Kong International Airport’s Three-Runway System, which is expected to unlock new growth opportunities for the airline.
With these developments, Cathay Pacific reaffirms its commitment to expanding its regional footprint and enhancing its role in driving Hong Kong’s economic and aviation growth.
Featured image: (L-R) Cathay Group CEO Ronald Lam, Deputy Prime Minister of Cambodia Sun Chanthol, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong SAR Government John Lee Ka-chiu and Cambodia Airports CEO Cyril Girot. Credit: Cathay Pacific
