Cathay Group profit hits $10.45b in 2025 on increased capacity and demand

Non-recurring joint venture gains boosted results.

The Cathay Group reported a total attributable profit of about $10.45b for the full year of 2025, including $10b from group airlines and subsidiaries and $447m from associates, according to its financial statement.

The group also recorded a non-recurring gain of $878m from a settlement with Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Company Limited regarding an aircraft parts management joint venture.

Management attributed the performance to increased capacity, passenger load factors, and cargo demand, whilst passenger yield normalisation and losses from HK Express offset some gains.

The group announced a second interim dividend of $0.64 per share, bringing total dividends to $0.84 per share, representing a $5.2b payout.

Employees will receive bonuses and profit-sharing totalling 11 weeks of pay, plus a salary increase for 2026, the statement said.

Passenger capacity is set to increase by 10% in 2026 as the group’s network reached 100 destinations in 2025, following the addition of 20 routes.

The company has a pipeline of over 100 aircraft and expects eight narrowbody aircraft deliveries in 2026. Investments in fleet, cabin products, lounges, and digital innovation total $100b.

Planned operations for 2026 include the launch of Seattle flights on 30 March. Retrofit programmes for Boeing 777-300ER and Airbus A330-300 aircraft include the Aria Suite and Aria Studio products.

Economy seat counts on Airbus A321neo aircraft will decrease to provide more space, the company said.

Ground projects include the reopening of The Wing First lounge in Hong Kong and a new lounge in New York.

Cathay Cargo will also deploy capacity to meet market demand across its network.