Cathay has released its 2024 Sustainability Report, outlining progress in its sustainability activities and confirming its commitment to long-term sustainable development.
As the Cathay Group enters its next phase of growth, sustainability remains a priority.
Key highlights from the 2024 Sustainability Report include Cathay’s efforts to support a local Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) ecosystem, including the launch of a tripartite SAF partnership with HSBC Hong Kong and EcoCeres, enabling SAF usage from Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) and highlighting the potential for developing an SAF system in Hong Kong. The airline also co-founded the Hong Kong Sustainable Aviation Fuel Coalition (HKSAFC), a multi-stakeholder group aimed at supporting SAF policy development and adoption. Globally, Cathay’s Corporate SAF Programme recorded a 22-fold increase in SAF usage compared to its launch in 2022.
In support of a circular economy, Cathay Pacific reduced the average number of single-use plastic (SUP) items per passenger to 2.6 and introduced two new 2025 targets – to increase in-flight recycling of water bottles to 33 per cent and to ensure that at least 50 per cent of remaining passenger-facing SUP items are made from recycled plastics. A new workflow for recycling plastic bottles and cans was also implemented at HKIA.
In the community, 2024 marked the 20th anniversary of Cathay’s youth development programme, I Can Fly, which resumed after a five-year pause and was expanded to include an exchange tour in the Greater Bay Area.
Cathay’s CEO Ronald Lam said: “Having successfully completed our two-year rebuilding journey, we have now set our sights on growth and development, where sustainability remains an area where we aspire to lead and is at the forefront of our path forward.
“Our environmental focus continues to be on climate change and a circular economy. Beyond our environmental efforts, we remain committed to our deep roots in Hong Kong, enriching our communities through youth, sports, and arts initiatives while setting our sights on future growth by attracting, developing and retaining a strong pipeline of global talent.”
The 2024 Sustainability Report can be viewed here.
