Cathay brings 180 first-time flyers on Discovery Flight to inspire youth

On November 1, 2025, Cathay Pacific hosted its Discovery Flight 2025, treating approximately 180 young participants from the Hong Kong SAR Government’s Strive and Rise Program and Kwun Tong Methodist Social Service to a 90-minute flight over Hong Kong aboard a newly retrofitted Boeing 777-300ER.

Cathay said that the initiative represents its strategic effort to build interest in aviation among Hong Kong’s younger generation at a time when the city urgently needs to develop its future workforce. Hong Kong is facing one of the world’s fastest demographic shifts, with 36% of its residents are expected to be 65 or older by 2046. 

Government partnership expands opportunities

Cathay Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Lavinia Lau hosted the event, with Hong Kong Chief Secretary for Administration Eric Chan Kwok-ki attending as guest of honor.

In his remarks, Chan praised Cathay for its strong support of the Strive and Rise program, noting that the airline has organized more than 40 activities across three programs, reaching over 3,600 students and mentors. These experiences have included Discovery Flights and behind-the-scenes visits to Cathay City, Cathay Dining, and the Cathay Cargo Terminal at Hong Kong International Airport.

Chan emphasized that the government will continue working across sectors to enhance the Strive and Rise program and expressed hope that Cathay will keep partnering with the broader community to strengthen Hong Kong’s position as a major international aviation hub.

“At Cathay, we believe in the power of aviation not just to connect places, but to move people forward in life. Through our flagship I Can Fly programme, we’re proud to play a part in nurturing Hong Kong’s future aviators by providing them with opportunities to learn, grow and be inspired,” Cathay’s Lavinia Lau said.

“Today’s Discovery Flight is a celebration of the immense potential of our young people, many of whom are experiencing the joy of flying for the first time. It is also a powerful reminder that the sky is the limit and this is just the beginning,” Lau further said. 

Lau extended her gratitude to the Hong Kong SAR Government, over 100 Cathay volunteers, ground staff and flight crew, for making the flight possible.

Building tomorrow’s aviation workforce

The Discovery Flight is a major initiative in Cathay’s I Can Fly youth development program, which aims to inspire and prepare the next generation of aviation professionals through three pillars: Education, Discovery, and Exploration.

Beyond the Discovery Flight, the enhanced I Can Fly program includes the I Can Fly Youth Academy and Aviation Explorer Days, which offer young people unique aviation experiences and community service opportunities. The goal is to help participants broaden their horizons, build confidence, and develop skills while cultivating future talent to sustain Hong Kong’s aviation industry.

So far in 2025, the I Can Fly program has reached approximately 1,400 young people across Hong Kong, a significant effort as the city faces demographic challenges that threaten its workforce pipeline.

Long-term commitment to youth development

Originally launched in 2003, the I Can Fly program is part of Cathay’s broader commitment to youth development. The airline’s initiatives include a Cadet Pilot Training Program, training courses developed with the Vocational Training Council, summer internships, graduate trainee programs, and the Cathay Hackathon, with finals scheduled for November 16, 2025, at Cathay City.

As Hong Kong’s population ages rapidly, programs such as I Can Fly represent a critical investment in ensuring the next generation has both the inspiration and the skills to keep the nation’s aviation sector thriving.

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