The aviation sector in the Asia-Pacific region has witnessed remarkable growth, particularly led by Cathay Pacific. In 2024, this airline transported over 28 million passengers, marking a significant 30.7% increase from the previous year. Additionally, its budget subsidiary, HK Express, demonstrated exceptional performance with a 46% surge in flight operations compared to 2023. The Group aims to restore full pre-pandemic flight capacity by January 2025 and is dedicated to enhancing Hong Kong's status as a leading international aviation hub. This expansion includes broadening networks and services for both passenger and cargo transport.

Cathay Pacific has emerged as one of the top players in international seat capacity within the Asia-Pacific region, alongside Singapore Airlines and Eastern China. According to OAG's latest report, the airline industry in this region has achieved 594.8 million seats, positioning it as the second-largest international aviation market globally. The region is on track to become the world’s most competitive aviation market in 2025, having already surpassed 2019's total capacity by 0.5% in 2024.

Among the 20 international routes analyzed in the Asia-Pacific, all but the Hong Kong-Shanghai route have a Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI) score below 3,000. While this might indicate high concentration in other sectors, it signifies greater competition within the aviation market when compared to European and North American markets.

The rapid recovery and expansion of air travel in the Asia-Pacific region highlight the resilience and adaptability of the aviation industry. As Cathay Pacific and its affiliates continue to expand their global reach, they are set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of international aviation. The Group's commitment to reaching 100 destinations worldwide by 2025 underscores its ambition to solidify Hong Kong's prominence as a premier aviation hub. This strategic expansion not only benefits passengers and cargo operators but also contributes significantly to the economic vitality of the region.