Cathay’s Discovery Flight Inspires 180 First-Time Young Travelers
On November 1, 2025, Cathay Pacific took young aviation enthusiasts on an exciting journey through its Discovery Flight event. Around 180 participants from the Hong Kong SAR Government’s Strive and Rise Program and Kwun Tong Methodist Social Service enjoyed a 90-minute aerial tour over Hong Kong in a newly retrofitted Boeing 777-300ER.
This event clearly illustrates Cathay Pacific’s commitment to igniting interest in aviation among the youth of Hong Kong. With the city’s demographic landscape shifting—36% of residents are projected to be 65 or older by 2046—there’s a pressing need to nurture a future workforce in this vital sector.
Government Partnership Expands Opportunities
The event was hosted by Cathay’s Chief Customer and Commercial Officer, Lavinia Lau, alongside Hong Kong Chief Secretary for Administration, Eric Chan Kwok-ki, who served as the esteemed guest of honor.
During his address, Chan commended Cathay Pacific’s ongoing support for the Strive and Rise program. He highlighted that the airline has orchestrated more than 40 activities within three distinct programs, benefiting over 3,600 students and mentors. These initiatives have included Discovery Flights as well as behind-the-scenes tours of Cathay facilities.
Chan also expressed the government’s commitment to collaborating with various sectors to enhance the Strive and Rise program, emphasizing his hope that Cathay will continue to engage with the community to strengthen Hong Kong’s status as a top global aviation hub.
“At Cathay, we recognize that aviation has the power not only to connect regions but also to elevate lives. Through our flagship I Can Fly program, we’re proud to empower future aviators by providing them with valuable learning and growth opportunities,” commented Lavinia Lau. “Today’s Discovery Flight celebrates the limitless imagination of our youth, many of whom are experiencing the joy of flight for the first time. This is merely the beginning of their journey,” she added.
Lau expressed her appreciation to the Hong Kong SAR Government and over 100 Cathay volunteers, including ground staff and flight crew, who contributed to making this event a success.
Building Tomorrow’s Aviation Workforce
The Discovery Flight forms a crucial part of Cathay Pacific’s I Can Fly youth development initiative, designed to inspire the next generation of aviation professionals through three key elements: Education, Discovery, and Exploration.
The I Can Fly program also incorporates the I Can Fly Youth Academy and Aviation Explorer Days, offering young individuals unique experiences and community service opportunities in aviation. The aim is to help participants expand their horizons, build self-confidence, and develop vital skills—essential for sustaining Hong Kong’s aviation industry.
This year alone, the I Can Fly program has positively impacted around 1,400 youth across Hong Kong, marking a significant effort in light of the demographic challenges that the city faces.
Long-term Commitment to Youth Development
Launched in 2003, the I Can Fly program underscores Cathay’s dedicated investment in youth development. The initiative encompasses a variety of training programs, including a Cadet Pilot Training Program, specialized courses in collaboration with the Vocational Training Council, summer internships, graduate trainee programs, and the Cathay Hackathon, with the finals set for November 16, 2025, at Cathay City.
As Hong Kong grapples with an aging population, initiatives like I Can Fly serve as vital investments in cultivating the next generation’s skills and passion, ensuring the future of the aviation sector remains bright.
What are your thoughts on initiatives like these? How do you think they could shape the future of aviation in Hong Kong?
