Cathay Pacific unites Hong Kong and mainland students in groundbreaking aviation youth program

Cathay Pacific expanded its flagship aviation education program by uniting 80 students from Hong Kong and mainland China in the newly launched I Can Fly Youth Academy. The event, held on July 15, 2026, in Chengdu, marked the first time the airline combined participants from both regions into a single cohort, signifying a milestone in its long-standing youth development efforts. The initiative is part of Cathay’s broader I Can Fly program running since 2003, which has involved over 8,800 students and has helped launch numerous aviation careers.

Designed as a comprehensive introduction to the aviation industry, the academy features a dynamic itinerary traversing three key cities: Chengdu, Hong Kong, and Adelaide. Each location offers students a distinct immersion tied to different facets of the aviation sector. The Chengdu leg focuses on understanding the development of aviation infrastructure and education on the mainland with visits to venues such as the AVIC Chengdu Aviation Theme Education Base, the Civil Aviation Flight University of China, and the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China.

After Chengdu, the program takes students to Hong Kong—a major international aviation hub—where they explore operational and engineering aspects crucial to flight and airport management. Visits include Cathay City, the region’s Civil Aviation Department, and Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Company. These engagements provide hands-on insights into flight operations, engineering disciplines, and cabin services, emphasizing real-world applications and management of a busy global airport.

Additionally, the academy offers distinguished students an international study opportunity in Adelaide, Australia. This segment broadens their horizons by connecting them with global aviation professionals and exposing them to an international industry environment, fostering an appreciation for aviation’s global scale and collaboration.

The program’s launch ceremony in Chengdu attracted key representatives, including Chen Hongqu, Secretary-General of the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation, Sichuan government officials, and Cathay’s Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Lavinia Lau. Lau emphasized the academy’s significance within Cathay’s youth development strategy, noting the progress past participants have made in expanding their career pathways. The first-time integration of students from both Hong Kong and mainland China reflects Cathay’s commitment to fostering cross-regional collaboration.

Chen Hongqu highlighted that the combined initiative promotes cultural exchange and hands-on learning opportunities, enriching the educational experiences of young participants from different backgrounds. This collaboration aligns with Cathay’s vision of nurturing aviation talent while encouraging mutual understanding between Hong Kong and mainland Chinese youth.

The I Can Fly Youth Academy complements a suite of youth-oriented programs Cathay operates, including Cathay Young Explorers, the Cadet Pilot Training Programme, and the Cathay Hackathon. Collectively, these initiatives aim to develop aviation expertise and support talent pipelines within the region. Cathay also seeks to extend its community impact by engaging 80,000 individuals in 2026 through projects focused on youth development, arts, culture, and sports, underpinning a holistic approach to societal contribution.

This latest iteration of the I Can Fly program arrives as Cathay Pacific celebrates its 80th anniversary, reinforcing its dedication to investing in the future of aviation by inspiring the next generation. Through immersive education and international exposure, the airline enhances pathways into aviation careers, helping sustain industry growth and innovation in Hong Kong, mainland China, and beyond.