Editing Cathay Pacific (section)

==History==
{{Recentism|section|date=September 2020}}

===1946–1960: The early years===
[[File:Cathay Pacific VR-HDB 1.jpg|thumb|A Douglas DC-3 named ''Betsy'', Cathay Pacific's first aircraft, in the [[Hong Kong Science Museum]].]]
[[File:CPANikki.jpg|thumb|upright|right|''Niki'', a DC-3 painted to imitate the appearance of the carrier's second aircraft, outside Cathay City|alt=Cathay Pacific DC-3 ''Niki'']]
Cathay Pacific Airways was founded on 24 September 1946 in Hong Kong. [[Sydney de Kantzow|Sydney "Syd" de Kantzow]], [[Roy Farrell]],<ref name=hist/><ref name=CR/><ref name=SCMP1/> Neil Buchanan, Donald Brittan Evans and Robert "Bob" Stanley Russell were the initial shareholders.<ref name=CR/> Buchanan and Russell had already worked for de Kantzow and Farrell at Roy Farrell Import-Export Company, the predecessor of Cathay Pacific,<ref name=book>{{cite book|title=Beyond Lion Rock: The Story of Cathay Pacific Airways|date=1988|first=Gavin|last=Young|author-link=Gavin Young|location=London|publisher=[[Hutchinson (publisher)|Hutchinson]]|isbn=0091737249|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZaRP3n4b68gC|access-date=2 October 2020|archive-date=17 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211217003937/https://books.google.com/books?id=ZaRP3n4b68gC|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=SCMP1>{{cite news|url=http://www.scmp.com/article/645928/flight-no-return|title=Flight of no return: How a Cathay Pacific plane became the first hijacked commercial airliner|date=20 July 2008|orig-year=updated 7 October 2016|department="Post Magazine" section|work=South China Morning Post|location=Hong Kong|access-date=16 April 2018|first=Mark|last=Footer|archive-date=17 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180417022831/http://www.scmp.com/article/645928/flight-no-return|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/17971269|title=Cargo by air to far east|date=25 February 1946|access-date=22 April 2018|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|page=5|via=National Library of Australia|orig-year=digitized in 2010s|archive-date=23 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180423034203/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/17971269|url-status=live}}</ref> that was initially headquartered in Shanghai.<ref name=hist>{{cite web|url=https://www.cathaypacific.com/cx/en_HK/about-us/about-our-airline/history.html|title=History – Those Were the Days|publisher=Cathay Pacific|access-date=23 December 2016|archive-date=1 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210301080006/https://www.cathaypacific.com/cx/en_HK/about-us/about-our-airline/history.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=CR/><ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RcLsDQAAQBAJ|title=Hong Kong Aviation: 125-year history|script-title=zh:香港航空125年|edition=revised|date=2016|orig-year=First edition published in 2015|page=202|last={{lang|zh-hant|吳}} [Ng]|first={{lang|zh-hant|邦謀}} [James]|isbn=9789888420544|publisher=Chung Hwa Book Company (Hong Kong)|language=zh|access-date=13 December 2017|archive-date=8 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230308151759/https://books.google.com/books?id=RcLsDQAAQBAJ|url-status=live}}</ref> Both de Kantzow and Farrell were Ex-Air Force pilots who had flown [[The Hump]], a route over the [[Himalaya]]n mountains.<ref name=hump>{{cite journal|title=Cathay Pacific Airways Limited|journal=International Directory of Company Histories|volume=185|pages=136–142|first1=Etan|last1=Vlessing|first2=Frederick C.|last2=Ingram|publisher=[[Gale (publisher)|Gale]]|date=2017|isbn=978-1-55862-959-2|editor-first=Jay P.|editor-last=Pederson|location=Farmington Hills, Michigan}}</ref> Farrell purchased the airline's first aircraft, a [[Douglas DC-3]], nicknamed ''Betsy'', at Bush Field, New York City in 1945.<ref name=book/>{{rp|29}} The company began freight services on 28 January 1950 from Sydney to Shanghai, after Farrell and Russell flew the plane to Australia and obtained a licence to carry freight (but not passengers) earlier that month.<ref name=book/>{{rp|36–37}} Its first commercial flight was a shipment of Australian goods.<ref name=book/>{{rp|37}} The profitable business soon attracted attention from [[Republic of China (1912–1949)|Republic of China]] government officials.<ref name=book/>{{rp|44}} After several instances where the company's planes were detained by authorities in Shanghai,<ref name=book/>{{rp|44}} on 11 May 1946, the company relocated, flying its two planes to Hong Kong.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://qz.com/993822/once-an-asian-aviation-pioneer-cathay-pacific-is-now-struggling-to-leave-behind-its-past/|title=Once an Asian aviation pioneer, Cathay Pacific is now struggling to leave behind its past|last1=Huang|first1=Echo|website=Quartz|date=4 July 2017|language=en|access-date=22 May 2019|archive-date=27 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727184459/https://qz.com/993822/once-an-asian-aviation-pioneer-cathay-pacific-is-now-struggling-to-leave-behind-its-past/|url-status=live}}</ref> Farrell and de Kantzow re-registered their business in Hong Kong on 24 September 1946 as Cathay Pacific Airways Limited,<ref name=hist/><ref name=CR>{{cite book|title=Document Ref. No. 000B6829788 of Cathay Pacific Holdings (ex-Cathay Pacific Airways)|date=1946–1953|orig-year=digitized circa 2000s|department = Cyber Search Centre|publisher=Companies Registry|location=Hong Kong|type=statutory filing}}</ref> while another sister company, The Roy Farrell Export Import Company (Hong Kong) Limited, was incorporated on 28 August 1946<ref name=CR/> and chartered some flights from Cathay.<ref name=book/>{{rp|58}} (According to ''International Directory of Company Histories'', two companies were formed for tax purposes.<ref name=hump/>)

They named the airline ''[[Cathay]]'', the ancient name given to [[names of China|China]], and ''Pacific'' because Farrell speculated that they would one day fly across the [[Pacific Ocean|Pacific]]<ref name=book/>{{rp|56}} (which happened in the 1970s).<ref name=name>{{cite web|url=http://www.airhighways.com/cathay_pacific.htm|title=Fly away with Cathay Pacific|publisher=Air Highways|first=Muguette|last=Goufrani|access-date=8 March 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060129082457/http://www.airhighways.com/cathay_pacific.htm|url-status=live|archive-date=29 January 2006}}</ref> Moreover, to avoid the name "Air Cathay" as it had already been used in a comic.<ref name=book/>{{rp|55}} The Chinese name for the company ("{{lang|zh-Hant|國泰}}") was not settled on until the 1950s.{{citation needed|date=April 2018}} It comes from a [[wiktionary:國泰民安|Chinese idiom]] meaning "Peace and Prosperity"<ref>{{cite web|url=https://medium.com/@justin.sharma93/cathay-pacific-1-888-571-9717-28c1429a6d58|script-title=zh:Definition of "国泰民安"|website=chinese.yabla.com|access-date=13 January 2018|archive-date=27 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727184122/https://chinese.yabla.com/chinese-english-pinyin-dictionary.php?define=%E5%9B%BD%E6%B3%B0%E6%B0%91%E5%AE%89|url-status=live}}</ref> and was at the time often used by other businesses called "Cathay" in English.

According to legend, the airline's unique name was conceived by Farrell and some foreign correspondents at the bar of the [[Manila Hotel]],<ref name=hist/><ref name=book/>{{rp|55}} while another narrative was the name was taken in the [[Cathay Hotel]] in [[Shanghai Bund]], during drinking and brainstorming, and choosing Cathay was to avoid the word China in the airline name.<ref name=book/>{{rp|53}} On Cathay Pacific's maiden voyage, de Kantzow and Peter Hoskins flew from Sydney to Hong Kong via [[Manila]].<ref name=book/>{{rp|53}} The airline initially flew routes between Hong Kong, Sydney, Manila, Singapore, Shanghai, Saigon, Bangkok,<ref name=book/>{{rp|58}} with additional chartered destinations.<ref name=book/>{{rp|59}} The airline grew quickly. By 1947, it had added another five DC-3s and two [[Canadian Vickers|Vickers]] [[Consolidated PBY Catalina|Catalina]] seaplanes to its fleet.<ref name=book/>{{rp|234}}<ref name=hump/>

In 1948, a new [[legal person]] of Cathay Pacific Airways was incorporated,<ref name=CR/><ref name=hump/> with John Swire & Sons (now known as [[Swire Group]]),<ref name=CR/><ref name="1988book">{{cite journal|journal=International Directory of Company Histories|title=Swire Pacific Ltd.|editor-first=Thomas|editor-last=Derdak|publisher=St. James Press|volume=1|location=Chicago, London|year=1988|isbn=0-912289-10-4|pages=[https://archive.org/details/internationaldir0001unse/page/521 521–522]|url=https://archive.org/details/internationaldir0001unse/page/521}}</ref> [[China Navigation Company]], [[Australian National Airways]] being the new shareholders of the new entity,<ref name=CR/> acquiring the assets from the old legal person;<ref name=CR/> the old legal person, was renamed into Cathay Pacific Holdings, as well as retaining 10% shares of the new Cathay Pacific Airways.<ref name=CR/> de Kantzow, Farrell and Russell were the shareholders of Cathay Pacific Holdings at that time.<ref name=CR/> It was reported that the colonial British government of Hong Kong required the airline was majority-owned by the British. Despite de Kantzow being a British subject through his Australian roots, Farrell was an American, thus forcing them to sell their majority stake.<ref name=book/>{{rp|79}}<ref name=hump/> Under Swire's management, de Kantzow remained in the airline until 1951,<ref name=book/>{{rp|123}}<ref name=hump/> while Farrell had sold his minority stake in Cathay Pacific soon after Swire's takeover in 1948, due to his wife's health problems.<ref name=book/>{{rp|115}}<ref name=hump/> He returned to Texas and became a successful businessman.<ref name=book/>{{rp|115}}

Swire later acquired 52% of Cathay Pacific Airways.{{citation needed|date=April 2018}} {{as of|2017|12|31}}, the airline is still owned by Swire Group to the extent of 45% through its subsidiary Swire Pacific Limited, as the largest shareholder.<ref name=Swire>{{cite web|title=Fact Sheet|url=https://news.cathaypacific.com/fact-sheet|publisher=Cathay Pacific|access-date=14 April 2018|archive-date=5 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190105201553/https://news.cathaypacific.com/fact-sheet|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=CathayPacific2017AR/> However, Swire Group also formed a [[shareholders' agreement]] with the second largest shareholder, [[Air China]] (which {{clarify span|date=February 2023|was}} controlled by state-owned [[China National Aviation Holding]]), which Cathay Pacific and Air China had a cross ownership.<ref name=CathayPacific2017AR>{{cite web|url=http://www.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/SEHK/2018/0403/LTN201804031384.pdf|title=2017 Annual Report|date=3 April 2018|access-date=14 April 2018|publisher=Cathay Pacific Airways|via=Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited website|archive-date=14 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180414234244/http://www.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/SEHK/2018/0403/LTN201804031384.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>{{rp|41, 104}}

In the late 1940s, the Hong Kong Government divided the local aviation market between Cathay Pacific and its only local competitor, the [[Jardine Matheson]]-owned [[Hong Kong Airways]]:<ref name=book/>{{rp|117–118}} Cathay Pacific was allocated routes to the south (including South-East Asia and Australia), while Hong Kong Airways was allocated routes to the north (including mainland China, Korea, and Japan). The situation changed with the establishment of the People's Republic of China and the [[Korean War]], which reduced the viability of the northern routes. In 1959, Cathay Pacific acquired Hong Kong Airways,<ref name=hump/> and became the dominant airline in Hong Kong.

Under Swire, another important sister company, [[HAECO]], was established in 1950.<ref name=book/>{{rp|130}} Nowadays,{{when|date=January 2024}} it's one of the major aeroplane repair service companies of Hong Kong with divisions in other cities of China.{{which|date=February 2023}}

===1960–1990: Expansion===
[[File:Convair 880-22M VR-HGG Cathay MIA 04.10.75 (2).jpg|thumb|right|A Cathay Pacific [[Convair 880]], operating from 1964 until 1974.]]

The airline thrived during the late 1950s and into the 1960s, culminating in its acquisition of Hong Kong Airways on July 1, 1959.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.scribd.com/document/85622430/Cathay-Pacific-Company-Research|title=Cathay Pacific Company Research {{!}} Airlines {{!}} Aviation|website=Scribd|language=en|access-date=28 January 2020|archive-date=27 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727185102/https://www.scribd.com/document/85622430/Cathay-Pacific-Company-Research|url-status=live}}</ref> Between 1962 and 1967, the airline recorded double digit growth on average every year and became one of the world's first airlines to operate international services to [[Fukuoka]], [[Nagoya]] and [[Osaka]] in Japan.{{Citation needed|date=January 2020}} In 1964, it carried its one millionth passenger{{Citation needed|date=January 2020}} and acquired its first jet engine aircraft, the [[Convair 880]].{{Citation needed|date=January 2020}} In 1967, it became an all jet airline with the replacement of its last [[Lockheed L-188 Electra]] with a Convair 880.<ref>Cathay All-Jet ''[[Australian Transport]]'' April 1967 page 53</ref>

[[File:Cathay Pacific L-1011 at Osaka Airport.jpg|thumb|A [[Lockheed L-1011 TriStar]] at [[Osaka International Airport]] in 1972–1994 livery with the British [[Union Flag]] and the logo of parent company [[Swire]].|alt=Lockheed L-1011 TriStar at Osaka International Airport]]
In the 1970s, Cathay Pacific installed a computerised reservation system and flight simulators.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.seatmaestro.com/airlines-seating-maps/cathay-pacific-airways/history/|title=History of Cathay Pacific Airways|website=SeatMaestro|language=en|access-date=28 January 2020|archive-date=28 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200128165738/https://www.seatmaestro.com/airlines-seating-maps/cathay-pacific-airways/history/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1971, Cathay Pacific Airways received the first Boeing aircraft [[Boeing 707|707-320B]].<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_axTDwAAQBAJ&q=Cathay+Pacific+Airways+received+the+first+Boeing+aircraft+707+1971&pg=PT8|title=I Have Control: A pilot's view of changing airliner technology|last=Spragg|first=Keith|date=31 March 2018|publisher=The Crowood Press|isbn=978-1-78500-398-1|language=en|access-date=2 October 2020|archive-date=8 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230308151759/https://books.google.com/books?id=_axTDwAAQBAJ&q=Cathay+Pacific+Airways+received+the+first+Boeing+aircraft+707+1971&pg=PT8|url-status=live}}</ref> By 1972, it had five 707s.<ref>Cathay Pacific Airways Cathay Pacific Airways ''[[Freight & Container Transportation]]'' May 1972 page 5</ref> The new aircraft colour was known as Brunswick green.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chingchic.com/cathay-pacific-airways-newsletter---september-1971.html|title=Cathay Pacific Airways Newsletter – September 1971|website=Capt. Charles 'Chic' Eather (Ret.)|language=en|access-date=4 March 2019|archive-date=30 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201130233037/http://www.chingchic.com/cathay-pacific-airways-newsletter---september-1971.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In July 1976, it began operating a Boeing 707 freighter from Hong Kong to Seoul, Bangkok and Singapore.<ref>Cathay puts on 707 freighter ''Freight & Container Transportation'' August 1976 page 4</ref>

In 1974, Cathay Pacific almost purchased the [[McDonnell Douglas DC-10]] to open a new flight route. During the flight route application process with the [[Government of the United Kingdom|British government]], due to the pressure from the British government, Cathay Pacific changed the application to apply for a route from Hong Kong to [[Heathrow Airport|London]] using a [[Boeing 747]]. The application was ultimately rejected.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/fortune_archive/1989/07/17/72252/index.htm|title=Boeing's Happy, Harrowing Times – Swamped with orders, the world's No. 1 planemaker has to unsnarl production, beat back rivals, and decide whether to bet billions on a completely new plane |date=July 17, 1989|work=Fortune Magazine|via=CNN|author-first1=Anthony|author-last1=Ramirez|author-first2=Alan|author-last2=Deutschman|access-date=28 January 2020}}</ref> In 1979, the airline acquired its first Boeing 747 and applied for traffic rights to fly to London in 1980, with the first flight taking place on 16 July.

Expansion continued into the 1980s. In 1982, Cathay Pacific Airways introduced Cathay Pacific Cargo (now Cathay Cargo<ref name="Jeffrey 2023 p441" />), which provided cargo service to initiate the trend of Hong Kong becoming one of the largest re-export trading ports of the world. The airline's long-haul dedicated cargo services started a twice a week with Hong Kong-Frankfurt-London service operated jointly with [[Lufthansa]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cathaypacificcargo.com/en-us/aboutcathaypacificcargo.aspx|title=About Cathay Pacific Cargo – Cathay Pacific Cargo|website=Cathaypacificcargo.com|access-date=4 March 2019|archive-date=16 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210116081150/https://www.cathaypacificcargo.com/en-us/aboutcathaypacificcargo.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref> Cathay Pacific kept its service to [[Vancouver]] in 1983, with service on to San Francisco in 1986, when an industry-wide boom encouraged route growth to many European and North American centres including London, [[Brisbane]], Frankfurt, [[Amsterdam]], Rome, Paris, [[Zürich|Zurich]] and [[Manchester]].<ref name="Horizon">{{cite web|url=https://www.cathaypacific.com/cx/en_HK/about-us/about-our-airline/history.html|title=History – New Horizons|publisher=Cathay Pacific|access-date=23 December 2016|archive-date=1 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210301080006/https://www.cathaypacific.com/cx/en_HK/about-us/about-our-airline/history.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 15 May 1986, the airline went public and was listed in the Main Board of [[the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong]].<ref>{{cite book|url=https://www.hkex.com.hk/-/media/HKEX-Market/Market-Data/Statistics/Consolidated-Reports/HKEX-Fact-Book/HKEX-Fact-Book-2017/FB_2017.pdf?la=en|chapter=List of listed companies on Main Board|title=2017 HKEX Factbook|date=2018|access-date=9 November 2018|publisher=Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing|page=896|archive-date=9 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181109153227/https://www.hkex.com.hk/-/media/HKEX-Market/Market-Data/Statistics/Consolidated-Reports/HKEX-Fact-Book/HKEX-Fact-Book-2017/FB_2017.pdf?la=en|url-status=live}}</ref>

===1990–2000: Rebranding, renewal, and Oneworld===
In January 1990, Cathay Pacific and its parent company, [[Swire Pacific]], acquired a significant shareholding in [[Dragonair]], and a 75% stake in cargo airline [[Air Hong Kong]] in 1994.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1990-01-17-fi-356-story.html|title=Cathay Pacific Acquires 35% of Rival Dragonair|date=17 January 1990|website=Los Angeles Times|language=en|access-date=28 January 2020|archive-date=22 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022215406/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1990-01-17-fi-356-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1994, the airline launched a program to upgrade its passenger service, including a HK$23&nbsp;million program to update its image. Its logo was updated in 1994, and again in 2014.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://airwaysmag.com/airlines/cathay-pacific-unveils-new-branding/|title=Cathay Pacific Unveils New Branding|date=6 November 2014|website=Airways Magazine|language=en|access-date=28 January 2020|archive-date=22 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022182928/https://airwaysmag.com/airlines/cathay-pacific-unveils-new-branding/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The airline began a fleet replacement program in the mid 1990s, which cost a total of US$9&nbsp;billion.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://airlinefiles.com/eva-air/101-international-airlines/622-cathay-pacific-2?showall=1&limitstart=|title=Cathay Pacific Files – airlinefiles|website=airlinefiles.com|access-date=28 January 2020|archive-date=29 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029172133/https://airlinefiles.com/eva-air/101-international-airlines/622-cathay-pacific-2?showall=1&limitstart=|url-status=usurped}}</ref> In 1996, [[CITIC Pacific]] increased its holdings in Cathay Pacific from 10% to 25%, and two other Chinese companies, [[China National Aviation Holding|CNAC(G)]] and CTS, also bought substantial holdings, while the Swire Group holding was reduced to 44%.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://downloads.cathaypacific.com/cx/investor/annualreports/1998_annual-report_en.pdf|title=Cathay Pacific Annual Report 1998|access-date=22 May 2019|archive-date=29 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029214809/http://downloads.cathaypacific.com/cx/investor/annualreports/1998_annual-report_en.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> According to the ''International Directory of Company Histories'', the sale of a 12.5% stake of Cathay Pacific by Swire Pacific to a Chinese state-owned company was regarded <!--quote start--> "as evidence of China's sincerity in maintaining the prosperity of Hong Kong."<ref name="1988book"/>

In 1997, Cathay Pacific updated the registration numbers and flags on its fleet in conjunction with the [[handover of Hong Kong]] from the United Kingdom to China.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.airliners.net/photo/Cathay-Pacific-Airways/Boeing-747-267B/0000646/L/|title=Cathay Pacific – Picture of the Boeing 747-267B aircraft at Vancouver|publisher=Airliners.net|access-date=24 May 2009|archive-date=7 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107084502/http://www.airliners.net/photo/Cathay-Pacific-Airways/Boeing-747-267B/0000646/L/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.airliners.net/photo/Cathay-Pacific-Airways/Boeing-747-267B/0815216/L/|publisher=Airliners.net|title=Cathay Pacific – Picture of the Boeing 747-267B aircraft at Hong Kong|access-date=24 May 2009|archive-date=7 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107084509/http://www.airliners.net/photo/Cathay-Pacific-Airways/Boeing-747-267B/0815216/L/|url-status=live}}</ref>
On 21 May 1998, Cathay Pacific took the first delivery of the [[Boeing 777-300]] at a ceremony in [[Paine Field|Everett]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.planetairlines.net/cathay-pacific.html|title=Planet Airlines – Cathay Pacific|website=Planetairlines.net|access-date=28 January 2020|archive-date=28 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200128172041/https://www.planetairlines.net/cathay-pacific.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On 21 September 1998, Cathay Pacific, together with [[American Airlines]], [[British Airways]], [[Canadian Airlines]], and [[Qantas]], co-founded [[Oneworld]] airline alliance.<ref name=OW>{{cite web|url=https://www.cathaypacific.com/cx/en_HK/about-us/press-room/fact-sheet.html|title=Fact Sheet – oneworld|publisher=Cathay Pacific|access-date=23 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161209132322/http://www.cathaypacific.com/cx/en_HK/about-us/press-room/fact-sheet.html|archive-date=9 December 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Brady|first1=Diane|title=Cathay's Alliance Poses Threat To Rivals Among Asian Airlines|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB906412939881935000|access-date=23 December 2016|newspaper=[[Wall Street Journal]]|date=22 September 1998|archive-date=29 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129113909/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB906412939881935000|url-status=live}}</ref> Cathay Pacific temporarily took over the domestic and international operations of [[Philippine Airlines]] during its two-week shutdown from 26 September to 7 October 1998.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/09/26/business/international-briefs-cathay-pacific-to-run-philippine-airlines.html |title=Cathay Pacific to Run Philippine Airlines' |newspaper=New York Times |date=26 September 1998 |access-date=24 April 2013 |archive-date=8 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200908052601/https://www.nytimes.com/1998/09/26/business/international-briefs-cathay-pacific-to-run-philippine-airlines.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The airline was hurt by the [[Asian financial crisis]] of the late 1990s, but recorded a record [[HK$]]5&nbsp;billion profit in 2000.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 7, 2001 |title=Annual Report 2000 |url=https://www.cathaypacific.com/content/dam/cx/about-us/investor-relations/interim-annual-reports/en/2000_annual-report_en.pdf |url-status=live |access-date=December 6, 2022 |website=Cathay Pacific Airways, Ltd. |archive-date=28 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220128165243/https://www.cathaypacific.com/content/dam/cx/about-us/investor-relations/interim-annual-reports/en/2000_annual-report_en.pdf }}</ref>

====Transfer to Chek Lap Kok and transpolar flights====
On 5 July 1998, Cathay Pacific operated its last flight from [[Kai Tak Airport|Kai Tak International Airport]] to [[London Heathrow Airport]], with the former airport ceasing operations after more than 73 years of operation. The next day, Cathay Pacific began flights from [[John F. Kennedy International Airport|New York John F. Kennedy International Airport]] to the new [[Hong Kong International Airport|Hong Kong-Chek Lap Kok International Airport]]. This flight was also the world's first [[Non-stop flight|nonstop]] [[Polar route|transpolar]] flight from New York to Hong Kong.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cntraveler.com/story/why-airplanes-sometimes-fly-over-the-north-pole|title=You Might Have Flown Over the North Pole and Not Even Known It|last=Drescher|first=Cynthia|website=Condé Nast Traveler|date=17 May 2017|language=en|access-date=28 January 2020|archive-date=12 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112013047/https://www.cntraveler.com/story/why-airplanes-sometimes-fly-over-the-north-pole|url-status=live}}</ref>

===2000–2010: Industrial troubles and acquisitions===
[[File:Cathay.pacific.a340-600.b-hqb.arp.jpg|thumb|Cathay Pacific operated three Airbus A340-600s from 2002 to 2009.]]
The year 2000 saw Cathay Pacific experience labour relations issues while completing the acquisition of Dragonair.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/06/06/business/worldbusiness/06cathay.html|title=Cathay Pacific Deal Is Seen to Gain Control of Dragonair|last=Bradsher|first=Keith|date=6 June 2006|work=The New York Times|access-date=28 January 2020|language=en|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=28 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200128172610/https://www.nytimes.com/2006/06/06/business/worldbusiness/06cathay.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

====The 49ers – employment dispute====
In 2001, the Hong Kong Aircrew Officers Association (HKAOA) launched a "[[work to rule]]" campaign to further its campaign for pay improvements and changes to roster scheduling practices. The action involved pilots refusing to work flights that were not scheduled on their roster. Although this alone did not cause extensive disruption, rostered pilots began to call in sick for their flights. Combined with the work-to-rule campaign, the airline was unable to cover all of its scheduled flights, and cancellations resulted. Cathay Pacific steadfastly refused to negotiate with the HKAOA under threat of industrial action.<ref>{{cite news|title=Pilots' work-to-rule causing delays at Cathay Pacific|url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Pilots%27+work-to-rule+causing+delays+at+Cathay+Pacific.-a076664432|publisher=Kyodo News International, Inc.|date=4 July 2001|access-date=23 December 2016|archive-date=30 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200730121143/https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Pilots%27+work-to-rule+causing+delays+at+Cathay+Pacific.-a076664432|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:CX333 TPE.JPG|thumb|A Cathay Pacific [[Airbus A330-300]] at [[Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport]].|left|alt=A Cathay Pacific Airbus A330-300 at [[Chennai International Airport]].]]

On 9 July 2001, reportedly following a comprehensive review of the employment histories of all its pilots, the company fired 49 of its 1,500 pilots. This group became known colloquially as "the 49ers". Nearly half of the fired pilots were captains, representing five percent of the total pilot group. Of the 21 officers of the HKAOA, nine were fired, including four of the seven union negotiators.<ref name=Hopkins>{{cite web|last=Hopkins|first=George E.|title=Cathay Pacific Pilots on the Brink|url=http://www.cathaypilotsunion.org/generaldocs/USalpaarticle02.pdf|date=May–June 2002|publisher=Air Line Pilot|page=20|access-date=4 July 2009|archive-date=20 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020115347/https://cathaypilotsunion.org/generaldocs/USalpaarticle02.pdf|url-status=usurped}}</ref>

Then-HKAOA president Captain Nigel Demery took the view that "the firing was pure intimidation, a union-bust straight up, designed to be random enough to put the fear in all pilots that they might be next, no reason given".<ref name=Hopkins/> The dismissals were challenged in a number of legal proceedings, but none were reinstated. The airline later offered the 49 pilots it terminated in 2001 the chance to reapply for pilot positions with its cargo division, guaranteeing such applicants first interviews, subject to passing psychometric testing. Nineteen former employees applied and twelve were offered jobs.

On 11 November 2009, 18 of the 49ers succeeded in the Hong Kong Court of First Instance concerning their joint claims for breach of contract, breach of the Employment Ordinance, and defamation.

Judge Anselmo Reyes ruled that the airline had contravened the Employment Ordinance by dismissing the pilots without a valid reason, adding that they had been sacked primarily because of union activities. He also held that remarks by then-chief operating officer Philip Chen Nanlok and current chief executive Tony Tyler after the sackings were defamatory. The judge handed the pilots a victory in their long-running legal battle, with individual awards of HK$3.3&nbsp;million for defamation together with a month's pay and HK$150,000 for the sackings.

On 24 December 2010, judges [[Frank Stock]], [[Susan Kwan]] and [[Johnson Lam]] of the [[Court of Appeal (Hong Kong)|Court of Appeal]] overturned the judgment of the lower court to the extent that the claim for wrongful termination of the contract was dismissed. The finding that Cathay Pacific wrongly sacked the 18 pilots for their union activities was upheld. The court upheld the defamation claim but reduced the damages for the defamatory comments made by Cathay Pacific management. The judges also modified the judgment awarding payment of legal costs to the pilots and instead said that they should now pay some of Cathay's costs.<ref>{{Cite web |title=In the High Court of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Court of Appeal – No. 268 of 2009 |url=http://www.cathaypilotsunion.org/proceedings/CACV000268_2009.pdf |access-date=29 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111002215236/http://www.cathaypilotsunion.org/proceedings/CACV000268_2009.pdf |archive-date=2 October 2011 |url-status=usurped}}</ref>

The leader of the 49er Plaintiffs, Captain John Warham, launched a book titled ''The 49ers – The True Story'' on 25 March 2011.<ref>{{cite book|author=John Warham|title=The 49ers: The True Story|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=R09YYgEACAAJ |year=2011 |publisher=Book Guild Publishing, Limited|isbn=978-1-84624-587-9|access-date=23 September 2019|archive-date=8 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230308152302/https://books.google.com/books?id=R09YYgEACAAJ|url-status=live}}</ref>

The pilots were awarded leave on 26 October 2011 to take their case to the Court of Final Appeal. The matter was heard before Hon. Mr. Justices Bokhary, Chan and Ribeiro who are all Permanent Judges of the Court of Final Appeal. The matters to be decided upon by the Court concerned wrongful termination of contract and the level of damages for defamation. The case was heard by the Court of Final Appeal on 27 August 2012.

On 26 September 2012, 11 years after they were sacked, the 49ers were finally judged<ref>{{cite web|title=FACV No. 13 of 2011|url=http://legalref.judiciary.gov.hk/lrs/common/ju/ju_frame.jsp?DIS=83622&currpage=T|page=35|date=26 September 2012|access-date=9 September 2013|archive-date=4 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150904132754/http://legalref.judiciary.gov.hk/lrs/common/ju/ju_frame.jsp?DIS=83622&currpage=T|url-status=live}}</ref> to have won the 3 prime issues of their legal case: breach of contract, breach of the Employment Ordinance, and defamation. The Court of Final Appeal agreed with the Court of Appeal's methodology for reducing the defamation damages. However, it reinstated one month's salary for each of the 49ers.

Regarding breach of contract,<ref>{{cite journal|first1=Jennifer|last1=van Dale|first2=Rashi|last2=Narayan|title=Court of Final Appeal Issues Important Judgment about Annual Leave|journal=American Bar Association, International Labor & Employment Law Committee Newsletter|date=October 2012|url=http://www.americanbar.org/newsletter/groups/labor_law/int_newsletter/ilel_news20121/oct2012/1210_ilelc_hk.html|editor1-first=Tim|editor1-last=Darby|publisher=Baker & McKenzie, Hong Kong|access-date=9 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131003031831/http://www.americanbar.org/newsletter/groups/labor_law/int_newsletter/ilel_news20121/oct2012/1210_ilelc_hk.html|archive-date=3 October 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> the overall picture leading to dismissal and events immediately after were analysed by the courts, not just the dismissal letter. Regarding the Employment Ordinance, an important aspect was that the judge defined the scope of "union activities" and its protection for workers in Hong Kong. The Court concluded: "Accordingly, most (possibly all) union-sponsored action is potentially protected by s 21B(1)(b), but if the action is not carried out "at [an] appropriate time", it is excluded from the provision". There was no challenge by Cathay Pacific to the Court of Appeal's decision to uphold the original Judge's conclusion that the statements made by Cathay Executives were defamatory of the plaintiffs.

John Warham, referring to the effect the fight has had on pilots' families, said: "In terms of human life, three people are dead because of what Cathay Pacific did to us. That's on their conscience, I hope they can live with that."<ref>{{cite news|last=Benitez|first=Mary Ann|title=Twin legal blows for Cathay spell joy for workers|url=http://cathaypilotsunion.org/inthenews/COFATS27Sep12.pdf|newspaper=The Standard|date=27 September 2012|access-date=8 April 2017|archive-date=31 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031094011/https://cathaypilotsunion.org/inthenews/COFATS27Sep12.pdf|url-status=usurped}}</ref>

====Acquisition and downsizing of Dragonair====
[[File:B-HYF - Dragonair - Airbus A330-342 - PEK (16484020506).jpg|thumb|A Dragonair Airbus A330-300.]]

On 28 September 2006, the airline underwent a shareholding realignment under which Dragonair became a wholly owned subsidiary but continued to operate under its brand. Acquiring Dragonair meant gaining more access to the restricted, yet rapidly growing, mainland China market and more opportunities for sharing of resources. [[China National Aviation Holding|CNAC]], and its subsidiary, Air China, acquired a 17.5 percent stake in Cathay Pacific, and the airline doubled its shareholding in Air China to 17.5 percent. [[CITIC Pacific]] reduced its shareholding to 17.5 percent and [[Swire Group]] reduced its shareholding to 40 percent.<ref>{{cite web|title=Fact Sheet – Major Subsidiaries and Associates|url=https://www.cathaypacific.com/cx/en_HK/about-us/press-room/fact-sheet.html|publisher=Cathay Pacific|access-date=23 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161209132322/http://www.cathaypacific.com/cx/en_HK/about-us/press-room/fact-sheet.html|archive-date=9 December 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=History – Into the New Millennium|url=https://www.cathaypacific.com/cx/en_HK/about-us/about-our-airline/history.html|publisher=Cathay Pacific|access-date=23 December 2016|archive-date=1 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210301080006/https://www.cathaypacific.com/cx/en_HK/about-us/about-our-airline/history.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=KAmerge>{{cite web|title=Cathay, Air China Deal Enables Dragonair Purchase|url=http://www.businesstravelnews.com/Business-Globalization/Cathay-Air-China-Deal-Enables-Dragonair-Purchase|date=17 July 2006|publisher=Business Travel News|access-date=23 December 2016|archive-date=23 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161223134634/http://www.businesstravelnews.com/Business-Globalization/Cathay-Air-China-Deal-Enables-Dragonair-Purchase|url-status=live}}</ref>

Dragonair had originally planned significant international expansion. It was already operating services to [[Bangkok]] and Tokyo, and was to have a dedicated cargo fleet of nine [[Boeing 747-400]]BCF aircraft by 2009 operating to New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco and [[Columbus, Ohio|Columbus]].<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://www.dragonair.com/da/en_INTL/aboutus/pressroomdetails?refID=66cc5b81f2510110VgnVCM22000022d21c39____|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110909163324/http://www.dragonair.com/da/en_INTL/aboutus/pressroomdetails?refID=66cc5b81f2510110VgnVCM22000022d21c39____|archive-date=9 September 2011|title=Dragonair to more than double size of cargo fleet by end-2008|publisher=Dragonair|date=6 May 2004|access-date=23 December 2016}}</ref> It had also acquired three [[Airbus A330-300]] aircraft to commence services to Sydney and [[Seoul]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.travelweekly.com.au/articles/14/0c01f914.asp |title=Dragonair gets green light for Sydney/Hong Kong services |publisher=[[Reed Business Information]] |work=Travel Weekly |date=19 April 2004 |access-date=4 July 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081228003018/http://www.travelweekly.com.au/articles/14/0c01f914.asp |archive-date=28 December 2008 }}</ref>

[[File:B-HYQ@PEK (20180528165850).jpg|thumb|left|A Cathay Dragon Airbus A330-300.]]
Following the acquisition by Cathay Pacific, Dragonair's proposed expansion plans underwent a comprehensive route compatibility analysis with the Cathay network to reduce duplication. Dragonair services to Bangkok and Tokyo were terminated, and new services launched to Sendai, Phuket, Manila, and Kathmandu. With the merging of similar departments at the two previously separate airlines, some Dragonair staff have had their employment contracts transferred to Cathay Pacific, except Dragonair Pilots and Cabin Crew and others made redundant due to the efficiencies gained in the merger. This resulted in an approximately 37 percent decrease in the amount of staff contractually employed by Dragonair.{{citation needed|date=December 2016}}

In January 2016, Cathay Pacific announced it was rebranding Dragonair as [[Cathay Dragon]].<ref>{{cite press release |title=Cathay Pacific group enters new era with rebranding of Dragonair as Cathay Dragon |url=https://www.dragonair.com/ka/en_HK/about-us/media-centre/press-release/2016/Cathay-Pacific-group-enters-new-era-with-rebranding-of-Dragonair-as-Cathay-Dragon.html |publisher=Cathay Pacific Group |date=28 January 2016 |access-date=23 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161223201109/https://www.dragonair.com/ka/en_HK/about-us/media-centre/press-release/2016/Cathay-Pacific-group-enters-new-era-with-rebranding-of-Dragonair-as-Cathay-Dragon.html |archive-date=23 December 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

On 21 October 2020, Cathay Pacific announced that it would shut down all operations of Cathay Dragon and merge it with its parent company due to the lack of customers and heavy economic problems brought by the [[COVID-19 pandemic]]. This merger marked the end for the subsidiary carrier after 35 years of operation.<ref>{{cite news |author1=Danny Lee |author2=Kathleen Magramo |title=Cathay axes record 6,000 Hong Kong jobs and closes regional airline in HK$2.2 billion survival plan |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3106365/cathay-pacific-eliminate-8500-job-posts-hk22-billion |access-date=21 October 2020 |agency=South China Morning Post |archive-date=15 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210215120420/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3106365/cathay-pacific-eliminate-8500-job-posts-hk22-billion |url-status=live }}</ref> Cathay Pacific and its wholly owned subsidiary, [[HK Express]], would take over Cathay Dragon's existing routes.<ref>{{cite news |title=香港國泰航空裁員8500人 旗下港龍航空結業成新冠疫情犧牲品 |url=https://www.bbc.com/zhongwen/trad/business-54626151 |access-date=21 October 2020 |agency=BBC |language=zh |archive-date=2 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201102023454/https://www.bbc.com/zhongwen/trad/business-54626151 |url-status=live }}</ref>

====Economic challenges====
[[File:Cathay Pacific Boeing 777-300ER (B-KQC) arrives London Heathrow 7Jun2015 arp.jpg|thumb|A Cathay Pacific [[Boeing 777-300ER]] arrives at [[London Heathrow Airport]].]]
To celebrate the airline's 60th anniversary in 2006, a year of roadshows named the "Cathay Pacific 60th Anniversary Skyshow" was held where the public could see the developments of the airline, play games, meet some of the airline staff, and view vintage uniforms. Cathay Pacific also introduced anniversary merchandise and [[airline meal|in-flight meals]] served by restaurants in Hong Kong in collaboration with the celebrations.<ref>{{cite press release|title=Cathay Pacific takes 60th Anniversary Skyshow on the road|url=https://www.cathaypacific.com/cx/es_ES/about-us/press-room/press-release/2006/en_HK_pressrelease_79.html|publisher=Cathay Pacific|date=20 May 2006|access-date=23 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161223133038/https://www.cathaypacific.com/cx/es_ES/about-us/press-room/press-release/2006/en_HK_pressrelease_79.html|archive-date=23 December 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In June 2008, Cathay Pacific entered into a [[plea bargain]] with the [[United States Department of Justice]] in respect of antitrust investigations over air cargo price-fixing agreements. It was fined US$60&nbsp;million. The airline has subsequently set up an internal Competition Compliance Office, reporting to chief operating officer [[John Slosar]], to ensure that the Group complies with all relevant competition and antitrust laws in the jurisdiction in which it operates. The breaches for which Cathay Pacific Cargo were being investigated in the US were not illegal under Hong Kong competition law.<ref>{{cite press release|title=Major International Airlines Agree to Plead Guilty and Pay Criminal Fines Totaling More Than $500&nbsp;Million for Fixing Prices on Air Cargo Rates|url=http://www.usdoj.gov/opa/pr/2008/June/08-at-570.html|publisher=[[United States Department of Justice]]|date=26 June 2008|access-date=4 July 2009|archive-date=30 May 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090530145351/http://www.usdoj.gov/opa/pr/2008/June/08-at-570.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release|title=Announcement Plea Agreement with United States Department of Justice|url=http://downloads.cathaypacific.com/cx/investor/20080626CX_Announcement%28B%29_en.pdf|publisher=Cathay Pacific|date=26 June 2008|access-date=4 September 2009|archive-date=8 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708124115/http://downloads.cathaypacific.com/cx/investor/20080626CX_Announcement(B)_en.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In September 2008, three of Cathay Pacific's top ten global accounts, Lehmann Brothers, AIG and Merrill Lynch, hit financial trouble.<ref>{{cite web|title=Chairman speaks on Overcoming Adversity at Aerospace Forum Asia luncheon (Jun 10, 2009)|url=https://www.cathaypacific.com/cx/en_DK/about-us/press-room/press-release/2009/en_HK_pressrelease_19.html|publisher=Cathay Pacific|access-date=22 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161223063556/https://www.cathaypacific.com/cx/en_DK/about-us/press-room/press-release/2009/en_HK_pressrelease_19.html|archive-date=23 December 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>

[[File:Cathay Pacific, Boeing 747-400, SIN.jpg|thumb|left|A Cathay Pacific Boeing 747–400 at [[Singapore Changi Airport]].]]

In March 2009, the airline reported a record full-year loss of [[HK$]]8.56&nbsp;billion for 2008, which was also the carrier's first since the [[1997 Asian Financial Crisis]]. The record loss included [[Fuel hedging|fuel-hedging]] losses of HK$7.6&nbsp;billion and a HK$468&nbsp;million charge for a price-fixing fine in the US It had to scrap its final dividend. The hedging losses were a result of locking in fuel prices at higher than the prevailing market price. As of the end of 2008, Cathay Pacific has hedged about half of its fuel needs until the end of 2011. The airline at the time estimated that it would face no further cash costs from the hedges if the average market price stood at US$75, enabling it to recoup provisions it made in 2008.<ref name=2008loss>{{cite news|last=Leung|first=Wendy|title=Cathay Pacific to delay planes, review routes on loss|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aCGfshxczTzM|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025150125/http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aCGfshxczTzM|archive-date=25 October 2012|publisher=[[Bloomberg L.P.]]|date=11 March 2009|access-date=23 December 2016}}</ref>

The flattening out of fuel prices resulted in Cathay Pacific recording a paper fuel hedging gain for its half-year reports for 2009. However, as a result of the global economic situation, the Group reported an operating loss. Given the current economic climate, and in line with the steps being taken by other major airlines around the world, the airline has undertaken a comprehensive review of all its routes and operations. This has resulted in frequencies being reduced to certain destinations, ad hoc cancellations on other routes, deferred capital expenditure, parked aircraft and introduced a Special Leave Scheme for staff to conserve money.<ref>{{cite news|last=Chan|first=Sue Ling|title=Cathay, Singapore Face Tough Decisions|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aVooYceFNyjc|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025150135/http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aVooYceFNyjc|archive-date=25 October 2012|publisher=Bloomberg L. P.|date=15 April 2009|access-date=23 December 2016}}</ref> According to CEO Tony Tyler, the yield from passengers was "hugely down" and the airline had lost "a lot of premium traffic". He noted that it could take 20 passengers in [[Economy class|economy]] to make up for the lost revenue of one fewer [[First class (aviation)|first class]] passenger flying to New York from Hong Kong.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Akkermans|first1=Joost|last2=Leung|first2=Wendy|title=Cathay Pacific's Tyler doesn't expect recovery soon|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aX0f0iiNtAJs|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025150255/http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aX0f0iiNtAJs|archive-date=25 October 2012|publisher=Bloomberg L. P.|date=17 March 2009|access-date=23 December 2016}}</ref>

===2010–2020: Scandals and stagnancy===
[[File:201805 Cathay’s aircrafts at HKG.jpg|thumb|Cathay Pacific and [[Cathay Dragon]] aircraft at [[Hong Kong International Airport]] in 2018.]]
In 2010, the airline set another record high profit, amounting to [[HK$]]14.05&nbsp;billion despite record losses set in the same decade. At the same time, Cathay Pacific had taken delivery of several new aircraft types, including the Airbus A330-300 and Boeing 777-300ER.<ref>{{cite news |last=Chiu |first=Joanne |date=9 March 2011 |title=Cathay Pacific Net Nearly Triples |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748703560404576189500166075350 |newspaper=The Wall Street Journal |access-date=23 December 2016 |archive-date=27 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727181443/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748703560404576189500166075350 |url-status=live }}</ref> Tony Tyler left his position as CEO at the airline on 31 March 2010 to pursue his new job at the IATA. Chief operating officer [[John Slosar]] had succeeded as the new CEO.<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.cathaypacific.com/cx/en_VN/about-us/press-room/press-release/2010/cathay-pacific-announces-senior-management-changes.html |title=Cathay Pacific announces senior management changes |publisher=Cathay Pacific |date=3 December 2010 |access-date=23 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161223201151/https://www.cathaypacific.com/cx/en_VN/about-us/press-room/press-release/2010/cathay-pacific-announces-senior-management-changes.html |archive-date=23 December 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In addition, New Zealand's Commerce Commission had dropped charges against Cathay Pacific concerning the air cargo price-fixing agreements.<ref name="Stuff.co.nz_4934746">{{cite web |url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/4934746/Commission-drops-some-airline-charges |title=Commission drops some airline charges |author=Rutherford, Hamish |date=28 April 2011 |work=Stuff |location=New Zealand |access-date=23 September 2011 |archive-date=24 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024061754/http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/4934746/Commission-drops-some-airline-charges |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2014, the airline underwent the largest network expansion in recent years which included the addition of links to [[Manchester]], [[Zurich]] and [[Boston]].

On 8 October 2016, Cathay Pacific retired their last passenger [[Boeing 747]] (a 747–400 with reg B-HUJ) with a farewell scenic flight around Hong Kong after more than 35 years of service of the type. Cathay operated the 747 since August 1979, when it was inaugurated on services to Australia.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Liu|first1=Jim|title=Flashback – Cathay Pacific Summer 1979 Boeing 747 operations|url=http://www.routesonline.com/news/38/airlineroute/269250/flashback-Cathay-pacific-summer-1979-Boeing-747-operations/|website=Routes Online|access-date=23 December 2016|date=7 October 2016|archive-date=21 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211121073858/https://www.routesonline.com/news/38/airlineroute/269250/flashback-cathay-pacific-summer-1979-boeing-747-operations/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

During the first half of 2016, Cathay Pacific's passenger yields fell 10 per cent, to the lowest in seven years as competing airlines from mainland China increased direct service to the U.S. and Europe, hurting the company's revenue from its Hong Kong hub.<ref>{{cite news|title=Cathay Pacific says big slump in number of premium travelers from Hong Kong|url=http://www.thenational.ae/business/aviation/cathay-pacific-says-big-slump-in-number-of-premium-travelers-from-hong-Kong|work=The National|agency=Bloomberg|date=18 August 2016}}{{Dead link|date=June 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> In October, Cathay Pacific scrapped its profit forecast for the second half of the year, less than two months after its issuance.<ref name=SCMP>{{cite news|last1=Ng|first1=Eric|title=Cathay Pacific lowers second-half profit forecast as overcapacity, competition take a toll|url=http://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/2027471/cathay-pacific-lowers-second-half-profit-forecast-overcapacity|access-date=1 January 2017|work=The South China Morning Post|date=12 October 2016|archive-date=1 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170101163513/http://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/2027471/cathay-pacific-lowers-second-half-profit-forecast-overcapacity|url-status=live}}</ref>

From 15 September 2016, Cathay Pacific decided to reintroduce fuel surcharge on many flights after its half-year net profits dropped more than 80% and it suffered HK$4.5&nbsp;billion loss from wrong bets on fuel prices.<ref name=SCMP050916/> As of September 2016, oil prices were halved from 2014 and stayed below US$50 a barrel.<ref name=SCMP050916>{{cite news|last1=Sun|first1=Nikki|title=HK$109 surcharge for Cathay and Dragonair passengers flying into Hong Kong after wrong-way bet on oil prices|url=http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/economy/article/2015171/wrong-bet-oil-prices-leads-hk109-surcharge-cathay-and|work=The South China Morning Post|date=5 September 2016|access-date=1 March 2017|archive-date=2 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170302025713/http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/economy/article/2015171/wrong-bet-oil-prices-leads-hk109-surcharge-cathay-and|url-status=live}}</ref>

==== 2017–2019 transformation ====
Under new leadership, the airline started to transform its business after suffering from 2 years of consecutive loss. The strategy focuses on 5Ps – Places, Planes, Product, People, and Productivity to find new sources of revenue, deliver more value to its customers and improve efficiency and productivity.<ref>{{Citation|title=Cathay Pacific's CEO on Cargo Markets, Oil, Turnaround Plan|date=4 June 2018 |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/videos/2018-06-04/cathay-pacific-s-ceo-on-cargo-markets-oil-turnaround-plan-video|language=en|access-date=9 March 2019|archive-date=9 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211209055428/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/videos/2018-06-04/cathay-pacific-s-ceo-on-cargo-markets-oil-turnaround-plan-video|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.airlines.iata.org/ceo-interviews/nothing-succeeds-like-success-rupert-hogg-cathay-pacific|title=Nothing succeeds like success: Rupert Hogg, Cathay Pacific {{!}} Airlines.|website=Airlines.iata.org|date=20 August 2018 |access-date=9 March 2019|archive-date=6 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181206014911/https://airlines.iata.org/ceo-interviews/nothing-succeeds-like-success-rupert-hogg-cathay-pacific|url-status=live}}</ref>

The airline restructured its organisation to be more agile and faster in decision making as well as responding to customers' needs. It has also launched 13 new routes since 2017, introduced a wide range of changes to its service, including bringing back hot meals on its most busy route between Hong Kong and Taipei,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/cathay-pacific-marco-polo-club/1876054-full-hot-meals-back-tpe-flights.html|title=Full hot meals back on TPE flights – FlyerTalk Forums|website=Flyertalk.com|access-date=9 March 2019|archive-date=21 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211121091713/https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/cathay-pacific-marco-polo-club/1876054-full-hot-meals-back-tpe-flights.html|url-status=live}}</ref> designed an inflight menu that features famous Hong Kong dishes<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.travelpress.com/cathay-pacific-rolls-out-hong-kong-flavours/|title=Cathay Pacific Rolls Out 'Hong Kong Flavours'|date=7 February 2019|website=TravelPress|language=en|access-date=9 March 2019|archive-date=24 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211124012248/https://www.travelpress.com/cathay-pacific-rolls-out-hong-kong-flavours/|url-status=live}}</ref> served in all cabins, and revamped its Business Class service proposition<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.businesstraveller.com/business-travel/2018/07/18/heres-what-cathay-pacifics-new-business-class-dining-concept-will-offer/|title=Here's what Cathay Pacific's new business class dining concept will offer|website=Business Traveller|language=en|access-date=9 March 2019|archive-date=4 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404143135/https://www.businesstraveller.com/business-travel/2018/07/18/heres-what-cathay-pacifics-new-business-class-dining-concept-will-offer/|url-status=live}}</ref> to provide more choice, more personalisation, better presentation and improved quality in its food and beverages offerings.

The airline has also invested significantly in other hard product and digital offerings such as an upgraded website, new or refurbished lounges across its network, including the first airline lounge yoga studio<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2183952/check-check-out-cathay-pacific-launches-sanctuary-pure|title=Cathay Pacific launches The Sanctuary by Pure Yoga in Hong Kong|date=28 January 2019|website=South China Morning Post|language=en|access-date=9 March 2019|archive-date=7 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190307042930/https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2183952/check-check-out-cathay-pacific-launches-sanctuary-pure|url-status=live}}</ref> at The Pier – Business in Hong Kong. Wi-Fi was introduced in 2017 and will be retrofitted across its fleet by 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.businesstraveller.com/business-travel/2017/11/16/cathay-pacifics-entire-wide-body-fleet-getting-wifi/|title=Cathay Pacific's entire wide-body fleet is getting wifi|website=Business Traveller|language=en|access-date=9 March 2019|archive-date=9 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190609181725/https://www.businesstraveller.com/business-travel/2017/11/16/cathay-pacifics-entire-wide-body-fleet-getting-wifi/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In February 2019, the airline issued a profit alert to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange indicating a profit of HK$2.3&nbsp;billion for the 2018 financial year, signaling early signs of success of its transformation.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.airfinancejournal.com/articles/3574928/cathay-pacific-issues-profit-alert|title=Cathay Pacific issues profit alert {{!}} News {{!}} Airfinance Journal|website=Airfinancejournal.com|access-date=9 March 2019|archive-date=24 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211124014836/https://www.airfinancejournal.com/articles/3574928/cathay-pacific-issues-profit-alert|url-status=live}}</ref>

==== 2018 data breach ====
In 2018, the airline discovered a data breach.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/companies/millions-of-passengers-hit-in-worst-airline-data-hack-ever/ar-BBOR5h1?li=BBnbfcL&ocid=mailsignout#image=1 |title=Millions of passengers hit in worst airline data hack ever |publisher=Msn.com |date=25 October 2018 |access-date=20 February 2020 |archive-date=27 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727185504/https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/companies/millions-of-passengers-hit-in-worst-airline-data-hack-ever/ar-BBOR5h1?li=BBnbfcL&ocid=mailsignout#image=1 |url-status=live }}</ref> Data of around 9.4&nbsp;million passengers were compromised during the breach, with 860,000 passport numbers, 245,000 Hong Kong identity card numbers, 403 expired credit card numbers, and 27 credit card numbers without CVV being accessed. However, no passwords were stolen. The breach was suspected in March 2018, but was confirmed only in May 2018.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-cathay-pacific-cyber/cathay-pacific-flags-data-breach-affecting-94-million-passengers-idUSKCN1MY26L|title=Cathay Pacific flags data breach affecting 9.4 million passengers|work=Reuters|access-date=24 October 2018|archive-date=24 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181024182849/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-cathay-pacific-cyber/cathay-pacific-flags-data-breach-affecting-94-million-passengers-idUSKCN1MY26L|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-45974020|title=Cathay Pacific data hack hits 9.4 million passengers|work=BBC News|access-date=25 October 2018|archive-date=25 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181025082829/https://www.bbc.com/news/business-45974020|url-status=live}}</ref> In March 2020, the company was fined £500,000 (U.S. $639,600) by the British Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) and avoided the heftier penalty of U.S. $564&nbsp;million under the European Union's GDPR-derived data privacy laws, which were not in force during the discovery of the breach.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3065071/cathay-pacific-fined-ps500000-british-privacy-watchdog |title=UK fines Cathay for 2018 data breach but hefty European penalty avoided |date=4 March 2020 |website=South China Morning Post |access-date=5 March 2020 |archive-date=5 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200305012609/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3065071/cathay-pacific-fined-ps500000-british-privacy-watchdog |url-status=live }}</ref>

==== 2019: Acquisition of HK Express ====
On 27 March 2019, Cathay Pacific officially announced it would acquire [[HK Express]], the only low-cost carrier in Hong Kong, citing to "expect synergies in generating a new business model and is a practical way to support long-term development and to enhance competitiveness". The transaction takes Cathay Pacific HK$4.93&nbsp;billion total. The transaction is closed was July 2019, and HK Express became Cathay Pacific's wholly owned subsidiary.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.cathaypacific.com/dam/cx/about-us/investor-relations/announcements/en/20190327_CX_Announcement_HKE_en.pdf|title=Cathay Pacific Airways Limited – Disclosable Transaction: Acquisition of Hong Kong Express Airways Limited|date=27 March 2019|work=Cathay Pacific Press Release|access-date=27 March 2019|archive-date=16 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191216224723/https://www.cathaypacific.com/dam/cx/about-us/investor-relations/announcements/en/20190327_CX_Announcement_HKE_en.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-47715426|title=Cathay Pacific to buy airline HK Express|website=Bbc.com|date=27 March 2019|language=en|access-date=2 April 2019|archive-date=30 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330225657/https://www.bbc.com/news/business-47715426|url-status=live}}</ref>

==== 2019–2020: Hong Kong protests ====
During the [[2019–20 Hong Kong protests]], Cathay Pacific employees participated in protests at [[Hong Kong International Airport]]. The Beijing government, which is a shareholder in Cathay Pacific, ordered Cathay to suspend any employees who participated in the protest. Cathay chairman [[John Slosar]] responded, "We employ 27,000 staff in Hong Kong doing all sorts of different jobs... we certainly wouldn't dream of telling them what they have to think about something."<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-49296387|title=Hong Kong: China bans Cathay Pacific staff seen to support protests|location=Hong Kong|work=BBC News|date=9 August 2019|access-date=10 August 2019|language=en|archive-date=10 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190810011956/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-49296387|url-status=live}}</ref> Cathay Pacific later suspended a pilot who was arrested during a protest, and CEO [[Rupert Hogg]] declared his support of the government, and reiterated that employees who violated the company's code of conduct could be dismissed.<ref>{{Cite news |author=Zhou Xin |author2=Danny Lee |author3=Amanda Lee |title=Cathay Pacific majority shareholder pressed into condemning violent Hong Kong protests|newspaper=South China Morning Post |url=https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3022651/cathay-pacifics-majority-shareholder-pressed-condemning|location=Hong Kong|date=13 August 2019|access-date=14 August 2019|language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210118042223/https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3022651/cathay-pacifics-majority-shareholder-pressed-condemning|archive-date=18 January 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> On 16 August, Hogg resigned due to "intense criticism" from Chinese authorities as a result of Cathay staff participating in the protests.<ref name="NYT20190816">{{cite news |title= Cathay Pacific's C.E.O. Resigns Amid Criticism From China |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/16/business/cathay-pacific-ceo-resigns-rupert-hogg.html |last1=Chong |first1=Raymond |last2=Cheung |first2=Ezra |location=[[Hong Kong]] |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |access-date=16 August 2019 |date=16 August 2019 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|archive-date=23 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210223042504/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/16/business/cathay-pacific-ceo-resigns-rupert-hogg.html}}</ref> Chief customer and commercial officer Paul Loo also resigned.<ref name="BBC-49367949">{{cite news |title=Cathay Pacific boss quits after protest row |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-49367949 |work=BBC News |location=Hong Kong |access-date=16 August 2019 |date=16 August 2019 |archive-date=16 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190816094107/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-49367949 |url-status=live}}</ref> By late September, Cathay Pacific and Cathay Dragon had terminated the employment of 31 aviation professionals, or forced their resignations, on the basis of their participation in protests or expressions of support for them.<ref>{{cite news|title='Fear is spreading.' Employees expose culture of fear at Hong Kong's flagship airline |url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/09/30/asia/hong-kong-cathay-pacific-fear-intl-hnk/index.html|last1=Wright |first1=Rebecca|last2=Stevens|first2=Andrew|work=[[CNN]] |location=[[Hong Kong]]|publisher=[[Warner Bros. Discovery]]|access-date=2 October 2019|date=30 September 2019|archive-date=1 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191001015505/https://www.cnn.com/2019/09/30/asia/hong-kong-cathay-pacific-fear-intl-hnk/index.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|newspaper=Hong Kong Free Press|location=Hong Kong |url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2020/01/04/clipping-wings-white-terror-gripped-hong-kongs-aviation-industry/ |title=Clipping their wings: how White Terror gripped Hong Kong's aviation industry|last=Lui|first=Lasley|date=4 January 2020|access-date=4 January 2020 |archive-date=8 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230308152304/https://hongkongfp.com/2020/01/04/clipping-wings-white-terror-gripped-hong-kongs-aviation-industry/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===2020–present: COVID-19 pandemic, recovery and ongoing developments===

==== 2020: Recapitalisation and government bailout ====
On 9 June 2020, Cathay Pacific, [[Swire Pacific]] and [[Air China]] halted stock trading pending an announcement. On 10 June, Cathay Pacific and the [[Government of Hong Kong]] jointly announced a HK$39&nbsp;billion recapitalisation plan and rescue package for Cathay Pacific.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cathay Pacific floats $39b bailout plan |url=https://hongkongbusiness.hk/aviation/news/cathay-pacific-raise-39b-recapitalisation |access-date=10 June 2020 |website=Hongkong Business |archive-date=26 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026062601/https://hongkongbusiness.hk/aviation/news/cathay-pacific-raise-39b-recapitalisation |url-status=dead}}</ref> In the rescue package, the Government of Hong Kong will be issued HK$19.5 billion dividend-paying preference shares and HK$1.95&nbsp;billion of warrants, giving it a 6% stake. The stake of the three major stakeholders, Swire Pacific, Air China, and [[Qatar Airways]], would fall to 42%, 28% and 9.4% due to the government stake. Also, Cathay Pacific would receive a HK$7.8&nbsp;billion bridging loan and the Government would have the right to appoint two observers on Cathay's board. The finance secretary of the HKSAR Government Paul Chan said, "It is not our intention to become a long-term shareholder of Cathay Pacific."<ref>{{Cite news|date=9 June 2020|title=Hong Kong spearheads $5 billion Cathay Pacific rescue package|language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-cathay-pacific-idUSKBN23G022 |access-date=10 June 2020 |archive-date=27 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210327214153/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-cathay-pacific-idUSKBN23G022|url-status=live}}</ref>

====2020–2022: COVID-19 pandemic====

The [[COVID-19 pandemic]] led to travel bans and significantly reduced flight demands, which caused Cathay Pacific to cut international flights in response. In 2020, 96% of all flights from March to May were cancelled, while the group's subsidiary [[HKExpress]] suspended all flight operations from 23 March to 30 April 2020, due to reduced demand.<ref>{{cite news |work=CNN|publisher=Warner Bros. Discovery|location=Hong Kong|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2020/03/20/business/cathay-pacific-flights-coronavirus-travel/index.html|title=Cathay Pacific slashes almost all passenger flights over the coronavirus pandemic |last=Toh|first=Michelle|date=20 March 2020|access-date=23 March 2020|archive-date=22 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200322211728/https://edition.cnn.com/2020/03/20/business/cathay-pacific-flights-coronavirus-travel/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref> At one point during the crisis, only 582 passengers flew with Cathay Pacific in an entire day.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/03/business/cathay-pacific-flights-coronavirus-covid-19/index.html |title='Demand has disappeared': Cathay Pacific slashes more flights after flying just 582 people in one day |author=Michelle Toh |author2=Isaac Yee|work=CNN |publisher=Warner Bros. Discovery|location=Hong Kong|access-date=3 April 2020|archive-date=22 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210222131753/https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/03/business/cathay-pacific-flights-coronavirus-covid-19/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In December 2020, the company said that it expected losses in the second half to be higher than the losses of the first half due to low demand, restructuring charges, and impairments on its fleet.<ref>{{Cite news|date=16 December 2020|title=Cathay Pacific sees H2 loss 'significantly higher' than H1|language=en|work=Reuters|location=Hong Kong|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-cathay-pacific-outlook-idUSKBN28Q11D|access-date=16 December 2020|archive-date=21 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201221220433/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-cathay-pacific-outlook-idUSKBN28Q11D|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2021, the company posted a record annual loss of US$2.8&nbsp;billion for 2020.<ref>{{Cite news|date=10 March 2021|title=Cathay Pacific posts record $2.8bn loss for 2020|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|location=Hong Kong|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-56343091|access-date=10 March 2021|archive-date=10 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210310045253/https://www.bbc.com/news/business-56343091|url-status=live}}</ref> It was also announced that the company would cut an additional 8,500 jobs.<ref>{{Cite news|date=10 March 2021|title=Cathay Pacific posts record $2.8bn loss for 2020|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|location=Hong Kong|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-56343091|access-date=18 March 2021|archive-date=16 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210316151805/https://www.bbc.com/news/business-56343091|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 22 April 2021, the company began its job cuts by closing its Canada pilot base, on the same day they began consultation with pilots at their Australia and New Zealand pilot bases regarding base closure in those jurisdictions. Pilots with the right to live and work in Hong Kong would be offered employment, however, those without the right to live and work in Hong Kong would face redundancy. On the same day, the company announced that they would review its bases in Europe and the United States later in the year.

On 12 May 2021, the company announced the closing of its Frankfurt pilot base. Around 50 pilots' jobs were at risk. As with the Canada base closing announced two and a half weeks earlier, pilots with the right to live and work in Hong Kong would be offered jobs, while those without the right to live and work in Hong Kong would face redundancy.<ref>{{Cite news|date=12 May 2021|title=Cathay Closes Frankfurt Base|language=en-GB|url=https://thefunnybeaver.com/exclusive-news-memes-cathay-closes-frankfurt-base/|website=Thefunnybeaver.com|access-date=12 May 2021|archive-date=12 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512191644/https://thefunnybeaver.com/exclusive-news-memes-cathay-closes-frankfurt-base/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In June 2021, the company said that losses in 1H 2021 were expected to be lower than US$1.27 billion in 2020, due to cost-saving measures and strong demand for cargo flights.

In 2023 and in conjunction with the [[Airport Authority Hong Kong]]'s "World of Winners" campaign,<ref name=worldofwinners>{{cite web|title=World of Winners|url=https://wow.hongkongairport.com/tickets|publisher=Airport Authority|access-date=27 April 2023|archive-date=27 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230427215724/https://wow.hongkongairport.com/tickets|url-status=live}}</ref> which aimed to promote tourism within [[Hong Kong]], the airline provided some of the 500,000 tickets in the campaign, and released them in tranches for each region.<ref name=cxworldofwinners>{{cite web |url=https://flights.cathaypacific.com/en_GB/offers/world-of-winners.html |title=World of Winners tickets giveaway campaign |access-date=27 April 2023 |archive-date=27 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230427221042/https://flights.cathaypacific.com/en_GB/offers/world-of-winners.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Participants were required to register for its frequent flyer program and fill in a registration form on the date for the region the participant was in.<ref name=cxworldofwinnerstc>{{cite web |title=Cathay Pacific's Terms and Conditions on World of Winners |url=https://flights.cathaypacific.com/content/dam/cx/digital-library/sea/world-of-winners/world-of-winners_terms-and-conditions_PH-EN.pdf |date=March 10, 2023 |access-date=27 April 2023 |archive-date=27 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230427221041/https://flights.cathaypacific.com/content/dam/cx/digital-library/sea/world-of-winners/world-of-winners_terms-and-conditions_PH-EN.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

====2023–2024: Mass flight cancellations====
From December 2023 to January 2024, Cathay had to trim its schedules by an average of twelve flights per day through to the end of February to avoid significant flight cancellations over the peak Lunar New Year period. The pre-emptive decision comes as the airline grapples with a significant pilot shortage.

The cancellations were mainly on routes with multiple daily services, allowing Cathay to transfer booked passengers onto same day services. The carrier is also under some scrutiny in Hong Kong after a spate of flight cancellations since 24 December 2023, including forty flights over four days. Cancellations peaked on 7 January when the airline axed 27 flights at short notice.

After slashing its workforce during the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], local news outlets say Cathay Pacific is now experiencing significant difficulties recruiting pilots, especially senior pilots. According to ''[[The Straits Times]]'', around 1,000 of the airline's 4,000 pilots were made redundant during the pandemic, while a further 1,000 resigned, effectively reducing Cathay's pilot pool by 50% over the period.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ch-aviation.com/news/135983-cathay-pacific-trims-flights-due-to-pilot-shortage | title=Cathay Pacific trims flights due to pilot shortage }}</ref>

On 12 December 2024, it was reported that Cathay have met their target of hiring 3,400 pilots to bring the airline back to pre-pandemic capacity. The airline is also planning to add another 100 pilots in January 2025. Prior to the pandemic, Cathay had a base of 3,800 pilots.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-12-12 |title=Hong Kong's Cathay hires 3,400 pilots this year, with low resignation rate of 2.9% |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2024/12/12/hong-kongs-cathay-hires-3400-pilots-this-year-with-low-resignation-rate-of-29 |access-date=2024-12-18 |website=The Star |language=en}}</ref>

====2024–present====
On 8 January 2025, Cathay Pacific announced that the airline will be returning to [[Rome]], their 12th destination in Europe and the second [[Italy|Italian]] destination after [[Milan]]. The flight on this route will commence on 5 June 2025, operated by [[Airbus A350|Airbus A350-900]] aircraft.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Peters |first=Luke |date=2025-01-09 |title=Cathay Pacific to resume Rome flights in June 2025 |url=https://www.aerotime.aero/articles/cathay-pacific-to-resume-rome-flights-in-june-2025 |access-date=2025-01-12 |website=www.aerotime.aero |language=en-US}}</ref>