HONG KONG— The Cathay Group has reported its strongest month of 2025 so far, with Cathay Pacific (CX) and HK Express (UO) carrying a combined total of 3.2 million passengers in July. At the same time, Cathay Cargo transported over 140,000 tonnes of freight through Hong Kong International Airport (HKG).
The group highlighted long-haul and regional travel demand alongside strong cargo volumes. Passenger growth was particularly driven by students, family visits, and summer holiday travel, while freight demand benefited from machinery, perishables, and seasonal exports like U.S. cherries.

Cathay Pacific July 2025 Traffic Results
Cathay Pacific (CX) carried 2.48 million passengers in July 2025, a 24% increase compared with July 2024. Capacity, measured in Available Seat Kilometres (ASKs), rose 30%, while the passenger load factor reached 86%. For the first seven months of 2025, the airline recorded 27% year-on-year passenger growth.
The airline noted that demand in early July was fueled by long-haul routes, particularly among students and those visiting family. Toward the end of the month, regional leisure travel strengthened to destinations such as South Korea (ICN) and Southeast Asia.
Looking ahead, Cathay Pacific resumed flights to Brussels (BRU) in early August with four weekly services from Hong Kong (HKG). The airline expects student travel to drive traffic in September and anticipates stronger holiday demand in October during the National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival periods.

Cargo Growth Driven by Regional Trade
Cathay Cargo transported 140,156 tonnes of freight in July 2025, an 11% increase year on year. Capacity measured in Available Freight Tonne Kilometres (AFTKs) also rose 11%, supported by higher demand on Southeast Asia–Hong Kong routes.
Strong volumes were recorded in machinery and perishables, while Cathay Fresh services gained momentum with seasonal cherry shipments from the United States. Capacity increased by 6% compared with June 2025.
Despite global market uncertainties, Cathay Cargo stressed its commitment to remain flexible in responding to shifts in demand across key markets.

HK Express Expands Regional Network
HK Express (UO) carried 685,784 passengers in July 2025, reflecting 22% year-on-year growth. Available Seat Kilometres (ASKs) rose 38% during the same period, though the load factor slipped to 76%, affected by weaker demand on Japanese routes following earthquake rumors.
The airline expanded its network with new routes to Guiyang (KWE) in July and Kuala Lumpur Subang (SZB) in early August. While demand for Japan remained subdued in July, bookings have shown a gradual improvement in August.
For the first seven months of 2025, HK Express carried 4.47 million passengers, up 32% compared with the same period in 2024.

Traffic and Capacity Figures
Cathay Pacific – July 2025
- Passengers carried: 2,489,154 (+23.9% YoY)
- Available Seat Kilometres: 12.26 billion (+29.6% YoY)
- Revenue Passenger Kilometres: 10.53 billion (+30.3% YoY)
- Passenger load factor: 85.9%
Cathay Cargo – July 2025
- Cargo carried: 140,156 tonnes (+10.5% YoY)
- Available Freight Tonne Kilometres: 1.29 billion (+11.2% YoY)
- Revenue Freight Tonne Kilometres: 753 million (+11.1% YoY)
- Cargo load factor: 58.2%
HK Express – July 2025
- Passengers carried: 685,784 (+21.6% YoY)
- Available Seat Kilometres: 1.62 billion (+37.9% YoY)
- Revenue Passenger Kilometres: 1.23 billion (+14.2% YoY)
- Passenger load factor: 75.7%
Bottom Line
The Cathay Group expects steady travel demand in the months ahead, supported by student traffic in September and increased holiday travel in October. For cargo, market volatility remains a challenge, but strong regional trade flows are likely to provide stability.
Cathay Pacific (CX) and HK Express (UO) will continue to expand their networks, with a focus on reconnecting Hong Kong (HKG) to more global and regional destinations.
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