The Cathay Group, including airlines, subsidiaries and associates, reported an attributable profit of HK$6.2 billion in the first half of 2026, which compares with HK$3.7 billion in the first half of 2025.
The attributable profit for the first half of 2026 included non-recurring gains of HK$1 billion, mainly from the non-cash deemed partial disposal gain of approximately HK$1.4 billion arising from the dilution of the Group’s equity interest in Air China Limited.
The Group’s first-half result has allowed it to announce a first interim dividend to ordinary shareholders of HK26 cents per share, totalling HK$1.6 billion. This represents a 30% increase per ordinary share when compared with the first interim dividend of 2025.
Cathay Group Chair Guy Bradley said: “The Cathay Group achieved a strong financial performance in the first half of 2026. Our result was positively impacted by ongoing underlying demand for Cathay Pacific and Cathay Cargo, improved performance from HK Express, and stronger contributions from associates. As a Group, we carried more passengers and cargo, and operated more flights compared with the first half of 2025.
“Having got off to a strong start in the first quarter, we faced a more challenging second quarter due to the situation in the Middle East and the resulting significant increase in jet fuel prices. This resulted in our jet fuel costs almost doubling from the first quarter to the second quarter. That we were able to achieve our first-half performance despite these circumstances is testament to the resilience we have built into our business in recent years.”
The Group’s airlines and subsidiaries reported an attributable profit of HK$4.9 billion for the first half of 2026, versus a profit of HK$3.8 billion in the first half of 2025. The net results from associates, the majority of which are recognised three months in arrears, reflected an attributable profit of HK$410 million, compared with a loss of HK$181 million in the first half of 2025.
Investing for long-term growth and raising the bar for customers
Cathay continues to make important investments to drive its long-term growth, elevate the experience for customers and enhance connectivity at its home hub, Hong Kong.
Bradley said: “We have already committed around HK$150 billion in investments into our fleet, cabin and lounge products, and digital innovation. This investment reflects our commitment to growing our business for the long term, contributing to the development of the Hong Kong international aviation hub and thereby leading to even greater opportunities for Cathay and Hong Kong as a whole.
“Looking ahead in the next 10 years, we target to have 150 new aircraft join our fleet, and a network serving 150 destinations, if the market conditions are favourable. These aircraft would provide more capacity to support our growth plans and help build connectivity at our home hub.”
Cathay continues to elevate the customer experience both in the air and on the ground. In addition to retrofitting more of its Boeing 777-300ER aircraft with its award-winning Aria Suite, new Premium Economy and refreshed Economy cabins, Cathay Pacific will introduce its all-new Aria Studio Business class and a new Economy cabin onboard its regional Airbus A330 aircraft by the end of this year.
The airline is also enhancing its existing cabin products, including giving customers more legroom in the Economy cabins on its Airbus A321neo aircraft by removing some of the seats.
On the ground, having reopened its flagship Hong Kong lounge The Wing, First earlier this year, Cathay Pacific will open its first ever lounge in New York when it moves into the newly redeveloped Terminal 6 at John F. Kennedy International Airport, which is currently scheduled to open later this year. Customers can also look forward to a redesigned lounge experience at The Wing, Business in Hong Kong and the Cathay Pacific Lounge in Tokyo Narita in 2027.
Meanwhile, Cathay Cargo continues to strengthen its freighter fleet to support its growth plans. This has included increasing its Airbus A350F freighter order to eight aircraft, and signing a lease agreement for an A330P2F converted freighter for Air Hong Kong that will primarily operate freighter services for Cathay Cargo.
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