Cathay Group carries 3.2 million passengers in July 2025, cargo also climbs

The Cathay Group, comprising Cathay Pacific and HK Express, reported strong July 2025 results, carrying 3.2 million passengers—its highest monthly total this year—and over 140,000 tonnes of cargo.

Cathay Pacific: Passenger numbers rose 24% year-on-year, with capacity up 30% and a load factor of 86%. Demand was driven by long-haul traffic early in July and regional leisure travel later in the month. The airline relaunched Hong Kong–Brussels flights in early August and expects further demand in September and October tied to student travel and holiday periods.

Cathay Cargo: Volumes grew 11% year-on-year, supported by machinery and perishables from Southeast Asia and seasonal U.S. cherry shipments. Capacity expanded 6% month-on-month, though management warned of external uncertainties.

HK Express: The low-cost subsidiary carried 680,000 passengers (+22% YoY), with capacity up 38%. New routes to Guiyang (July) and Kuala Lumpur–Subang (August) supported growth, though demand for Japan services remained weak amid earthquake rumors.

Overall, the Cathay Group continues to restore capacity and strengthen Hong Kong’s hub role, with expectations of further passenger growth in the coming months.