Cathay Charts New Sustainability Milestones in 2024 Report with Record SAF Growth and Community Initiatives
(IN SHORT) Cathay has released its 2024 Sustainability Report, showcasing steady progress in its environmental and community-focused initiatives as the Group prepares for its next growth phase. Emphasizing a continued commitment to sustainability, CEO Ronald Lam highlighted the company’s strategic focus on climate change, circular economy practices, and pioneering efforts in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) usage. Notable initiatives include a record 22-fold increase in SAF usage and the launch of a tripartite SAF partnership with HSBC Hong Kong and EcoCeres, as well as the formation of the Hong Kong Sustainable Aviation Fuel Coalition. Additionally, Cathay Pacific is driving progress in reducing single-use plastics with innovative recycling workflows and ambitious targets for 2025. The report also marks a milestone in community engagement with the return and expansion of the 20-year-old I Can Fly youth programme. Overall, the report underscores Cathay’s dedication to environmental stewardship and social responsibility as integral to its long-term strategy.
(PRESS RELEASE) HONG KONG, 2025-Apr-8 — /Travel PR News/ — Cathay is proud to unveil its 2024 Sustainability Report, marking steady progress on its sustainability journey and reaffirming the Group’s unwavering commitment to long-term, responsible growth. As Cathay embarks on its next phase of expansion, sustainability remains a top priority, integrated at every level of its operations and strategic planning.
In his opening remarks, Chief Executive Officer Ronald Lam emphasized the company’s renewed focus following a two-year rebuilding period. “We have laid a strong foundation and are now setting our sights on further growth and development, with sustainability leading the way,” he said. “Our environmental initiatives continue to target climate change and the circular economy. As pioneers and early adopters of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), we are dedicated to nurturing a local SAF ecosystem and expanding its use globally. At the same time, we are committed to reducing our dependency on single-use plastics and exploring innovative packaging alternatives. Alongside these environmental efforts, we remain deeply invested in the Hong Kong community through youth, sports, and arts initiatives, all while building a robust pipeline of global talent.”
Key achievements highlighted in the report include launching a landmark tripartite partnership with HSBC Hong Kong and EcoCeres, which enabled SAF usage at Hong Kong International Airport. This initiative also led to the creation of the Hong Kong Sustainable Aviation Fuel Coalition (HKSAFC), a multi-stakeholder group dedicated to driving policy advancements and SAF adoption in the region. Globally, Cathay’s Corporate SAF Programme has seen a remarkable 22-fold increase in SAF usage since its inception in 2022.
Further, the report details Cathay Pacific’s strides in advancing a circular economy by significantly reducing passenger-facing single-use plastic (SUP) items to an average of 2.6 pieces per passenger. The airline has set ambitious secondary targets for 2025, including ramping up inflight recycling of water bottles to 33% and ensuring that at least 50% of the remaining SUP items are composed of recycled plastics. A first-of-its-kind recycling workflow for plastic bottles and cans has also been introduced at Hong Kong International Airport.
The report also celebrates Cathay’s commitment to the local community. In 2024, the Group commemorated the 20th anniversary of its flagship youth development programme, I Can Fly, which returned after a five-year break. The initiative has now expanded to include an exchange tour across the Greater Bay Area, further exemplifying Cathay’s dedication to nurturing local talent and fostering community development.
For additional insights into its sustainability performance and future commitments, the full 2024 Sustainability Report is available on the Cathay website.
Media contact:
press@cathaypacific.com
SOURCE: Cathay Pacific Airways
