Our 2024 Community Flight helps students aim high

On 23 November 2024, the ninth Cathay Pacific Community Flight took to the skies with over 180 students and their mentors on board. For close to half of these students, this was their first time in the air.

Prior to boarding, all participants and the special guests had checked in at Hong Kong International Airport, welcomed by Cathay Pacific volunteers who arrived early to set up. The 90-minute flight took them above the city’s deep green hills and jagged skyscrapers before returning to the runway.  

The initiative, which started in 2007, made a welcome return in May 2023 after a pandemic-induced hiatus. 

Like last year, this flight was the finale in a series of activities organised by Cathay Pacific for participants of the Strive and Rise Programme – initiated by the Hong Kong government to provide Secondary 1 to 4 students from disadvantaged backgrounds with resources and guidance to aid personal growth. This is the second consecutive year we’ve supported and participated in the programme.

On board flight CX8777, in our updated Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, the students had the opportunity to interact further with members of our team of volunteers, cabin crew and pilots. As our passengers soared through the skies over Hong Kong, they also enjoyed chatting with our volunteers, some inflight entertainment, and fun games and activities with gifts to take home. Of course, inflight dining was included, too – it’s an essential part of the experience; an experience that will bring the young passengers cherished memories for years to come.  

Cathay Pacific’s Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Lavinia Lau, who hosted the event alongside guest of honour Chief Secretary for Administration of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr Eric Chan Kwok-ki, certainly hopes so. 

“With our deep roots in Hong Kong, Cathay Pacific is committed to enriching the community with a primary focus on youth development,” said Lau. “Having renewed our support for the Strive and Rise Programme for a second year, we have been honoured to organise various activities, including an Aviation Exploration Day in February, to introduce students from disadvantaged backgrounds to the fascinating world of aviation and empower them to strive towards their future goals.

“Sharing the joy of flying with these students and their mentors today was truly special. For many, it was their first time onboard an aircraft, and witnessing their excitement as they got to experience our very latest cabin products while enjoying inflight dining and services was incredibly heartening.

“I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the many Cathay Pacific volunteers, ground staff, and cockpit and cabin crew whose incredible efforts made this meaningful endeavour possible. I’m confident that this experience will go a long way towards inspiring our youth and making a difference in our society.”

Earlier this year, also as part of the Strive and Rise Programme, more than 600 students and their mentors touched down at Cathay City for Cathay Pacific Aviation Exploration Day. 

Attendees heard from Cathay Pacific Director People Patricia Hwang (one of the programme’s Star Mentors this year) and from alumni of the programme, before starting their aviation exploration day. These experiences gave the students valuable exposure and insight, as well as the opportunity to discover more about a potential career in aviation.

The Strive and Rise Programme has wrapped up the application process for its third cohort in 2024/2025, recruiting a total of 4,000 students – meaning by the end of next year over 10,000 youth will have benefitted from the programme.

Learn more about other meaningful initiatives at Cathay Pacific here.