Cathay’s I Can Fly Youth Academy takes off in Chengdu

Bringing together 80 students from Hong Kong and  the Chinese Mainland for the first time to explore aviation

Cathay has a longstanding commitment to promoting youth development and inspiring the next generation to pursue their aviation dreams. 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.

Coinciding with Cathay’s 80^th anniversary, this year’s I Can Fly Youth Academy brings together 80 students from Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland in collaboration with the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation to embark on an inspiring journey across Chengdu, Hong Kong and Adelaide. The programme aims to strengthen connections between young people from Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland, providing a unique cross-regional learning platform where they can experience the exciting world of aviation, build friendships and explore future career paths.

The I Can Fly Youth Academy commenced in Chengdu on 15 July, with the launch ceremony attended by Secretary-General of the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation Chen Hongqu, foundation representatives, government officials from Sichuan, Cathay Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Lavinia Lau, and Cathay Director Chinese Mainland Arnold Cheng.  

Secretary-General of the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation Chen Hongqu (fourth from left); Cathay Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Lavinia Lau (fourth from right); Vice-Director of the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation Fund Affairs Department Liu Ying (third from right); Cathay Director Chinese Mainland Arnold Cheng (third from left); Cathay General Manager Chinese Mainland, Corporate Affairs & Marketing Communications Carol Sun (second from left); and Cathay General Manager Chinese Mainland, Commercial & Operations Martin Xu (second from right) officiated at the launch ceremony of the 2026 I Can Fly Youth Academy.

Cathay’s Lavinia Lau encouraged students to deepen cultural exchanges and embrace new opportunities for the future through this unique experience.

Lavinia Lau said: “As Cathay’s flagship youth development initiative, the I Can Fly programme is aimed at nurturing the next generation of aviation talent and giving back to the community. Over the years, we have seen young people broaden their horizons and pursue their dreams through the programme. This year, we are proud to mark an important milestone by extending the I Can Fly Youth Academy  to Chengdu and bringing together students from Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland for the first time. I hope the students will deepen cultural exchanges through aviation and embrace new opportunities for the future.”

Chen Hongqu, Secretary-General of the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation said: “The China Soong Ching Ling Foundation remains committed to nurturing young talent and enriching communities. The China Soong Ching Ling Foundation is delighted to join hands with Cathay in launching the 2026 I Can Fly programme, providing young people in Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland with more opportunities for cross-cultural exchange, and enabling them to grow and develop through real-world experiences.”

A journey into aviation across three locations

Spanning Chengdu, Hong Kong and Adelaide, this year’s I Can Fly Youth Academy combines aviation education, innovation and cultural exchange, offering students a comprehensive understanding of the industry. 

Led by volunteer representatives, participants made a pledge to make the most of their experience in the I Can Fly Youth Academy.

This year’s I Can Fly Youth Academy brings together 80 students from Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland to embark on an inspiring journey across Chengdu, Hong Kong and Adelaide.

In Chengdu, students will visit aviation facilities and training centres, including the AVIC (Chengdu) Aviation Theme Education Base, the Civil Aviation Flight University of China, and the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China. They will gain insights into the development of the aviation industry, talent cultivation and technological innovation in the Chinese Mainland.

The programme will then continue in Hong Kong, where students will learn about the operations of one of the leading international aviation hubs through visits to Cathay City, the Civil Aviation Department and Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Company (HAECO). They will explore various aspects of aviation, from flight operations and engineering to cabin service. 

Students with outstanding performance will be invited to an aviation experiential trip to Adelaide, Australia, where they will gain international exposure, deepen their understanding of aviation and engage with aviation professionals.

Shaping the future through aviation

With its deep roots in Hong Kong for 80 years, Cathay continues to support youth development through initiatives such as the I Can Fly programme, the Cathay Young Explorers programme, the Cadet Pilot Training Programme, and the Cathay Hackathon. Together, these initiatives enrich aviation education and nurture future aviation talent for Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland.

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.