Cathay Pacific’s ‘I Can Fly’ Program Graduates 300 Students

After a five-year pause, Cathay Pacific’s renowned ‘I Can Fly’ program has successfully graduated 300 students, marking a significant milestone in youth development for the Hong Kong aviation industry. The special graduation ceremony took place on August 31, 2024, with Hong Kong’s Chief Executive, John Lee Ka-Chiu, delivering a congratulatory address to the graduates.

The ‘I Can Fly’ program, originally launched in 2003, aims to nurture the next generation of leaders in the aviation sector. However, the program was temporarily halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, with its revival, the program continues to offer young people a unique opportunity to explore the world of aviation, gain valuable insights, and develop the skills necessary to pursue careers in the industry.

During the ceremony, Cathay Pacific’s Chief Customer and Commercial Officer, Lavinia Lau, hosted the event, celebrating the students’ achievements and the program’s return. The six-month program included a mix of learning, engagement, and hands-on experiences designed to inspire and educate the participants.

Hong Kong’s Chief Executive, John Lee Ka-Chiu, emphasized the importance of talent development in maintaining Hong Kong’s status as an international aviation hub. “With the support of the National 14th Five-Year Plan, Hong Kong is striving to strengthen its status as an international aviation hub. Talent is a crucial pillar of the aviation industry, and attracting talent requires substantial support from within the sector. I would like to thank Cathay for its continued efforts in promoting youth development over the years,” Ka-Chiu said.

He further highlighted the value of initiatives like ‘I Can Fly’ in empowering young people to explore aviation and carve out their career paths. “Initiatives like I Can Fly offer young people the opportunity to explore the aviation world, gain insights into its operations, and carve out their career paths, ultimately contributing to the expansion of Hong Kong’s aviation talent pool. I hope the I Can Fly program will continue to reach new heights and serve as the engine to empower young people’s pursuit of their aviation dreams,” he added.

Throughout the program, students toured Cathay’s aviation facilities, participated in various aviation activities and training sessions, and gained exposure to the broader airport community. The program also introduced new courses focused on digital technology and Cathay Cargo, reflecting the evolving landscape of the aviation industry.

As part of an exchange tour, the students visited Zhuhai in China to learn about the Chinese aviation sector. Additionally, 30 outstanding students were selected to visit Flight Training Adelaide in Australia, where they experienced firsthand the training process for Cathay Pacific cadet pilots.

Lavinia Lau expressed pride in the students’ achievements, stating, “The I Can Fly program is Cathay’s flagship youth development initiative. We are delighted to have witnessed the growth and progress of our program members throughout this remarkable journey, and to see their passion for the aviation industry and awareness of social issues deepen. I am extremely proud of their hard work and accomplishments and look forward to seeing them flourish in the aviation industry in the future.”

Cathay Pacific has seen over 4,400 students graduate from the ‘I Can Fly’ program since its inception, with many alumni now pursuing successful careers in aviation. The program’s return and continued success underscore Cathay’s commitment to fostering the next generation of aviation professionals in Hong Kong.