First Academy-Trained Cadets Join Cathay Pacific Fleet
Cathay Pacific has celebrated a landmark achievement with the graduation of its latest cohort of cadet pilots, marking the first time trainees have completed ground theory instruction entirely within the airline’s new Cathay Academy. Thirty-four cadets earned their wings after a rigorous program that blended in-house classroom learning at Cathay Academy, flight training at AeroGuard Flight Training Center in Arizona, and multi-crew cooperation simulator sessions back in Hong Kong. Since May 16, 2025, each graduate has joined the carrier as a second officer, immediately contributing to Cathay Pacific’s expanding network of professional aviators.
The Cadet Pilot Training Program, which launched in 1988, has matured into a multi-path, integrated course combining academic rigor with practical cabin and cockpit skills. This year’s graduates represent the first group to benefit from Cathay Academy’s proprietary ground school curriculum, allowing instructors to tailor lessons in aerodynamics, navigation, meteorology and regulations to Cathay Pacific’s specific operational standards. The addition of internal multi-crew cooperation training simulators has also given trainees hands-on experience in teamwork, communication and cockpit resource management before their first commercial flight.
Beyond theory, the cadets spent months at AeroGuard in Phoenix, Arizona, mastering basic flight maneuvers and advanced instrument procedures in piston and turboprop aircraft. Under AeroGuard’s oversight, each student logged hundreds of hours in the cockpit, culminating in cross-country navigation exercises and emergency training. Upon completing their U.S. training phase, the cadets returned to Hong Kong for intensive simulator drills at Cathay City, where they learned to operate modern airliners under diverse weather conditions and high-traffic scenarios—skills they now apply on the Boeing 777 and Airbus A350 routes.
Cathay Pacific currently supports more than 500 cadet pilots in various stages of training worldwide. The airline’s long-term commitment to talent development has produced 185 captains, more than 40 of whom serve as training captains, and seven management pilots who now shape company policy. Since 2022, over 1,000 cadets have entered the program, many progressing to senior flying roles or instructor positions thanks to the depth and consistency of Cathay’s bespoke training pathways.
Alex McGowan, Cathay’s Chief Operations and Service Delivery Officer, underscored the importance of the new in-house training capabilities. “Developing aviation talent has always been a priority for Cathay. Today’s graduation carries special significance as it marks our first group of cadet pilots to go through our very own Cathay Academy ground school,” he said. McGowan noted that closer engagement with trainees not only elevates training quality but also enriches cadet experiences and strengthens the airline’s ability to cultivate future leadership in Hong Kong and beyond.
The Cadet Pilot Training Program remains a critical pillar of Cathay Pacific’s growth strategy, ensuring a steady pipeline of skilled pilots to meet rising demand in Asia Pacific markets. Course partnerships with the Hong Kong Polytechnic University complement Cathay Academy’s offerings by integrating university-level aeronautical science modules with the airline’s practical training framework. This holistic approach prepares cadets for the complexities of modern airline operations, from system failures to customer service excellence.
As these 34 new second officers embark on their commercial flying careers, Cathay Pacific anticipates further program enhancements, including advanced jet transition courses and leadership seminars. With Cathay Academy now fully operational, the airline is poised to uphold its legacy as a leading trainer of world-class aviators, sustaining safe, reliable and innovative air travel for generations to come.
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