According to Zhito Finance APP, CATHAY PAC AIR (00293) announced the largest recruitment in its history for 2024, hiring approximately 7,000 new employees throughout the year, which will bring the total number of employees in the group to over 30,000. With the combined flight volume of CATHAY PAC AIR and Hong Kong Express reaching 100% of pre-pandemic levels by January next year, CATHAY PAC AIR declares that its two-year rebuild journey is nearing completion, with passenger flight destinations exceeding 100 next year, approaching pre-pandemic levels of about 110.

Earlier this year, CATHAY PAC AIR faced a number of flight cancellations due to pilot shortages, and the company stated that 3,400 pilots were needed to restore capacity. CATHAY PAC AIR has recently indicated that both airlines now have over 3,400 pilots, with an annual attrition rate of less than 3%, the lowest level in history. In addition to recruiting new talent, CATHAY PAC AIR stated that over the past 18 months, the group arranged for more than 600 pilots to undergo training for promotion to captain or first officer.

CATHAY PAC AIR stated that among the new recruits this year, cabin crew members make up 5,000, with the number of hires more than tripling compared to 2023. Recruitment and training will continue actively next year, although the recruitment target numbers have not been disclosed. The company emphasized that it will continue to recruit and train talent to solidify Hong Kong's status as an international aviation hub.