Cathay Cargo delivers HK$11.14B revenue in H1 2025 despite market pressures

Cathay Cargo, the freight division of The Cathay Group, has continued to demonstrate resilience and global leadership, carrying 801,000 tonnes of cargo in the first half of 2025, an increase of 11.4% compared to the same period last year. Despite a drop in yield by 3.4% to HK$2.59 (USD $0.34) and a slight decrease in load factor, the cargo business reported a revenue rise of 2.2% to HK$11.14 billion(USD $1.45 billion).

The carrier navigated a challenging environment marked by US tariff changes and a shift in the de minims exemption. Leveraging its global network and adjusting capacity strategically, Cathay Cargo successfully met demand on strong trade lanes, particularly in high-tech electronics, perishables, and pharmaceuticals.

Operating out of Hong Kong International Airport, the world’s busiest cargo airport, Cathay Cargo ran up to 100 freighter flights and more than 1,600 passenger flights with cargo capability per week. It served over 100 global destinations and retained its title as Cargo Operator of the Year by Air Transport World.

By the end of June 2025, Cathay Cargo was running freighter services to 12 destinations in the Americas, nine in Southeast Asia and Oceania, nine in North Asia, five in Europe, and six in South Asia, the Middle East and Africa. The airline boosted transpacific services during peak periods and added flights to Hanoi and Brisbane while transporting unique shipments such as terracotta artefacts to Australia and champion racehorses from Europe to Hong Kong.

In the Chinese Mainland, shipments of high-tech products and pharmaceuticals continued to grow. Demand also remained steady across long-haul routes in North Asia and Europe, supported by general cargo and Cathay’s specialized services like Cathay Pharma, Cathay Fresh, Cathay Secure, and Cathay Expert.

Looking ahead, Cathay Cargo plans to stay agile amid market uncertainty. It will focus on expanding digital capabilities, enhancing specialist solutions, and driving sustainability, in line with Cathay Group’s wider investment of over HK$100 billion (USD $13 billion) in fleet, technology, and services.