Cathay's I Can Fly Youth Academy empowers 80 graduates to reach for the skies

Nurturing the next generation of aviation talent for Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland and beyond

Cathay today was delighted to celebrate the graduation of 80 students who successfully completed the 2026 I Can Fly Youth Academy. Marking its 80^th anniversary this year, Cathay brought together 80 students from Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland for the first time for an immersive aviation journey across Hong Kong and Chengdu, empowering them to explore the world of aviation while building friendships and broadening their horizons.

Hosted by Cathay Director People Patricia Hwang and joined by Cathay Brand Ambassador and Olympic medallist Siobhán Haughey, the graduation ceremony saw graduates, industry partners and Cathay volunteers come together to celebrate this memorable milestone.

Cathay's Patricia Hwang thanked the partners and Cathay volunteers for their invaluable support for the 2026 I Can Fly Youth Academy.

Cathay Brand Ambassador and Olympic medallist Siobhán Haughey joined today's graduation ceremony.

Patricia Hwang said: "For 80 years, Cathay has been deeply committed to being a force of positivity for our community. Through the I Can Fly Youth Academy, we are proud to inspire more young people to pursue their aviation dreams. We would like to thank our partners and Cathay volunteers for their invaluable support in creating such an enriching and meaningful experience for the participants. We look forward to seeing them flourish in the future and contribute to the continued development of Hong Kong as an international aviation hub."

This year's I Can Fly Youth Academy offered students a unique two-week immersive aviation learning experience. Organised in collaboration with the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation, the programme began in Chengdu, where students took part in a five-day tour exploring China's aviation development, technological advances and emerging low-altitude economy.

The journey then continued in Hong Kong, where students toured Cathay's various aviation facilities and departments, as well as those of the wider airport community. Guided by Cathay volunteers, they visited Cathay City, Cathay Cargo Terminal and Cathay Dining to learn about the many facets of airline operations. Students also toured the Civil Aviation Department, the Government Flying Service, Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Company (HAECO) and other aviation-related organisations, further broadening their understanding of the industry. 

Cathay today was delighted to celebrate the graduation of 80 students who successfully completed the 2026 I Can Fly Youth Academy.

Cathay today was delighted to celebrate the graduation of 80 students who successfully completed the 2026 I Can Fly Youth Academy.

Outstanding students will be invited to an aviation experiential trip to Adelaide, Australia where they will gain international exposure and engage with aviation professionals.

This year marks the 10^th edition of Cathay's flagship youth development initiative, I Can Fly. Launched in 2003, the programme features three key initiatives - the I Can Fly Youth Academy, the I Can Fly Discovery Flight and the I Can Fly Aviation Explorer Days. More than 8,800 students have since joined the programme, with many going on to pursue careers in aviation. 

In addition, Cathay has set an ambition to uplift 80,000 lives in 2026 through an expanded range of community programmes built around youth development, sports, and arts and culture.

For more information on Cathay's community programmes, please visit www.cathay.com.