Cathay Pacific Graduates 300 Students from ‘I Can Fly’ Programme, Inspiring Future Aviation Careers
Cathay upholds its commitment to fostering youth development and nurturing future leaders for the Hong Kong aviation industry
(IN SHORT) Cathay Pacific celebrated the graduation of 300 students from its “I Can Fly” programme, which returned after a five-year hiatus. The six-month programme provides young people with insights into the aviation industry through tours, training, and hands-on experiences. The programme also expanded to include an exchange tour in Zhuhai and social service projects. Launched in 2003, “I Can Fly” has graduated over 4,400 students, many of whom have pursued careers in aviation, contributing to Hong Kong’s status as an international aviation hub.
(PRESS RELEASE) Hong Kong, China, 2024-Sep-4 — /Travel PR News/ — Cathay Pacific proudly celebrated the graduation of 300 students from its flagship “I Can Fly” programme, marking a significant return of the initiative after a five-year hiatus. The programme, which spans six months, is designed to inspire and prepare young people for potential careers in the aviation industry, equipping them with valuable knowledge and hands-on experience.
The graduation ceremony, held on August 31, was a momentous occasion, attended by Cathay’s Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Lavinia Lau and Acting Chief Secretary for Administration of the Hong Kong SAR Government, Cheuk Wing-hing, among other dignitaries. The event highlighted Cathay’s dedication to youth development and its role in strengthening Hong Kong’s position as a leading international aviation hub.
Chief Executive of the HKSAR, John Lee Ka-chiu, praised the programme in a video message, emphasizing the importance of cultivating local talent in aviation, particularly under the National 14th Five-Year Plan, which aims to bolster Hong Kong’s status as an aviation center. He acknowledged Cathay’s ongoing efforts to provide young people with the opportunity to explore the aviation industry, ultimately contributing to the sector’s growth and sustainability.
The “I Can Fly” programme offers students a comprehensive look into the aviation world, with tours of Cathay’s facilities, training in various aviation departments, and exposure to new digital technologies. This year, the programme expanded to include an exchange tour to Zhuhai, allowing students to gain insights into the Greater Bay Area’s aviation development.
In addition to aviation training, the programme encourages participants to engage with social issues, with students designing projects focused on youth development, waste reduction, and carbon neutrality. The most outstanding participants were given the unique opportunity to experience life as cadet pilots at Flight Training Adelaide in Australia, where they even had the chance to fly a small aircraft.
Since its inception in 2003, the “I Can Fly” programme has seen over 4,400 graduates, many of whom have pursued careers in aviation. This initiative is part of Cathay’s broader commitment to youth development, which includes various community programs, internships, and training opportunities aimed at nurturing the next generation of aviation professionals and reinforcing Hong Kong’s aviation industry.
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Source: Cathay Pacific
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