Hong Kong’s home airline, Cathay Pacific, has its eye on the horizon — over the next few years, the company is planning a variety of enhancements to its fleet, its reach and its onboard experience, thanks to an investment to the tune of $12.8 billion.
Here, Chris Vanden Hooven, senior vice president of the Americas for Cathay Pacific, expands on the airline’s future plans, from upgraded premium cabin amenities and unique culinary partnerships to upcoming destinations, new routes and growth for the fleet.
What can passengers expect from the airline in 2025 and beyond?
Cathay Pacific has close to 200 aircraft on order. In 2025, we will be flying passengers to 100 destinations worldwide, and the addition of new aircraft underscores our commitment to network growth and the guest experience. The upcoming Dallas-Hong Kong service marks a strategic milestone as our first major hub in the southern region of the United States, operating four times weekly on our A350-1000 aircraft. [Other] recent launches of direct service [include routes] from Hong Kong to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and Hyderabad, India. The planned three-runway system at Hong Kong International Airport will further amplify our capabilities [by] significantly increasing passenger capacity.
Last year was a transformative one for Cathay Pacific, anchored by notable awards like [being named] one of Skytrax’s World’s Best Airlines and a host of other accolades highlighting our signature service, fleet and dining. The year brought tangible improvements to the customer experience, such as the launch of the Aria Suite, increased in-flight connectivity for loyalty members and [our] network expansion.
Looking to 2025, the Dallas route launch and preparation for our move to Terminal 6 at New York’s JFK Airport in 2026 — where we will open the first dedicated lounge at the airport — mark exciting new chapters in our growth story.
Chris Vanden Hooven, SVP of the Americas, Cathay Pacific
Credit: 2025 Cathay PacificIn addition to the Aria Suite, Cathay Pacific has enhanced its Premium Economy configuration. What can passengers expect with the new upgrades?
The Aria Suite offers the ultimate in comfort, privacy and practicality, with fully customizable lie-flat beds; closing privacy doors; customizable lighting; and 24-inch, 4K screens with Bluetooth connectivity.
[There’s also] the new Gallery in the Skies, which showcases a selection of artwork from artists with a deep connection to Hong Kong. Meanwhile, our enhanced Premium Economy offering reflects evolving traveler expectations, featuring ergonomic seating with enhanced privacy wings on the leather headrests, optimized dining surfaces and the largest Premium Economy screens in the industry (15.6- inch 4K displays with Bluetooth connectivity).
Onboard culinary options are also a key focus. What do you believe sets the airline’s food and beverage options apart from the crowd?
Our culinary program balances innovation with tradition. [The airline offers] a taste of Hong Kong through classic favorite dishes, exciting partnerships with Michelin-starred establishments such as Duddell’s and Louise, a range of wellness and sustainability-focused options … and international cuisine like Thai curry. Customers also enjoy signature moments, such as our Betsy beer, which is designed to be enjoyed at 35,000 feet. First and business-class travelers can further customize their in-flight experience by pre-ordering their meals, [a service that] is available 10 days prior to departure for eligible long-haul flights.
Sustainability in the aviation world is a hot topic – what is Cathay Pacific’s strategy when it comes to the environment?
At Cathay Pacific, our sustainability strategy goes beyond aspirational targets. We have pioneered the Corporate Sustainable Aviation Fuel Programme (SAF), one of the first of its kind in Asia, and have set a goal of 10% SAF usage by 2030. Compared to conventional jet fuel, SAF is made from renewable and waste sources, which have the potential to reduce more than 80% of lifecycle carbon emissions. This, combined with our Fly Greener offset program and Greener Together rewards program, positions us at the forefront of aviation’s sustainable future.
