The airline Cathay Pacific as part of her youth initiative “I Can Fly”, the “Discovery Flight 2025” carried out. On board a newly refitted Boeing 777-300ER One hundred and eighty young people, none of whom had ever flown before, experienced a 90-minute sightseeing flight over Hong Kong. The participants came from the state-run Strive and Rise Programs as well as by the Kwun Tong Methodist Social Service. The initiative underscores the airline's commitment to promoting young talent and strengthening Hong Kong's aviation sector.
The Chief Secretary of the Hong Kong Administration attended as a guest of honor, Eric Chan Kwok-ki, on the special flight. He praised the airline for its “determined support” of the government’s “Strive and Rise Programme.” Cathay has already organized over 40 activities within this framework, benefiting more than 3600 students and mentors across three cohorts. Cathay’s Chief Customer and Commercial Officer, Lavinia LauHe emphasized that aviation not only connects places but also helps people progress in life. The "Discovery Flight" is intended to celebrate the potential of young people and give them, some of whom were flying for the first time, an insight into the world of aviation.
The flight, supported by over 100 Cathay Pacific volunteers, is an important component of the redesigned "I Can Fly" program. Launched in 2003, the program aims to empower young people through its core principles. Education, discovery and exploration to inspire and attract young people to careers in aviation. This year alone, the initiative has already reached approximately 1400 local youths. Experts see such programs as an important contribution to securing a long-term supply of skilled workers for the aviation industry in Hong Kong.
The “I Can Fly” program is part of a broader investment by Cathay in developing young talent. This includes other pillars such as… Cadet pilot training program, collaborations with the Vocational Training Council and Cathay Hackathon, the final of which is scheduled to take place in November. These activities are designed to promote young talent and solidify Hong Kong's position as an international air transport hub.