Cathay Group reports robust January 2025 traffic figures
Marking strong start to the year
The Cathay Group has commenced 2025 with significant passenger numbers growth and its global network expansion. In January 2025, the group achieved a 37% increase in passenger traffic compared to the same month in 2024, marking a strong start to the year.
On January 25, 2025, during the peak of the Lunar New Year travel period, Cathay Pacific and HK Express carried over 110,000 passengers daily. This achievement set a new post-pandemic record for the group and underscored the resurgence in travel demand.
The Cathay Group continues to enhance its passenger network to serve customers better and bolster Hong Kong’s status as an international aviation hub. In January 2025, Cathay Pacific announced the resumption of direct flights to Rome, which will commence on June 5, 2025.
Additionally, HK Express launched services to Sendai on 17 January and plans to introduce flights to Nha Trang and Ishigaki starting on 3 April 2025. These additions bring the number of new destinations to eight in 2025, with further announcements anticipated.
Cathay Pacific reported a 37% increase in passenger numbers for January 2025 compared to the same month in 2024. Available Seat Kilometres (ASKs) rose by 30.9%, and the load factor improved by 3.6 percentage points yearly. The airline observed a resurgence in business travel demand following the holiday season, contributing to a solid load factor in premium cabins.
The peak period for outbound student traffic also boosted demand on long-haul routes. Towards the end of the month, passenger travel demand from Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland increased significantly during the Lunar New Year holiday, with short-haul destinations being the most popular. Cathay Pacific anticipates a quieter period for leisure travel demand until the end of March.
Cathay Cargo experienced a 13.7% increase in cargo carried in January 2025 compared to the same month in 2024. Available Freight Tonne Kilometres (AFTKs) increased by 14.7%, while the load factor decreased by 2.5 percentage points yearly. The cargo division saw a gradual pickup in demand as it approached the traditional pre-Lunar New Year rush.
Perishables and seasonal produce from the Southwest Pacific remained robust, and there was increased demand for the Cathay Secure solution, attributed to valuable cargoes from Southeast Asia, South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Softer cargo demand is expected following the Lunar New Year period.
Additionally, Cathay Cargo showcased its expertise in transporting live animals by flying in around 70 competing horses for the Hong Kong International Horse Show, serving as the event’s official airline partner.
HK Express carried a record high of over 667,000 passengers in January 2025, a 46.1% increase compared to January 2024. Available Seat Kilometres (ASKs) increased by 39.7%. In addition to carrying a record number of passengers and expanding its network in January, HK Express increased flights on several routes, including Tokyo (Narita), which increased to six daily return flights, and Hiroshima, which increased to four return flights per week. The Lunar New Year peak season also added extra sectors to Hualien, Chiang Mai, Bangkok, and Phu Quoc.
The Cathay Group’s performance in January 2025 reflects a strong recovery and growth trajectory, with significant passenger numbers and cargo volume increases. Expanding its network and introducing new destinations demonstrate the group’s commitment to enhancing its services and reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as a leading international aviation hub.
Image: Cathay Pacific reported a 37% increase in passenger numbers for January 2025 compared to the same month in 2024. Credit: Cathay Pacific
