Hong Kong’s flag carrier, Cathay Pacific, has reformatted its youth development programme, I Can Fly, with new activities centred around education, discovery, exploration, and social services aiming to inspire young people to pursue careers in aviation.

The programme was launched in Hong Kong in 2003, and since then over 4,400 students have graduated from it. This year, around 2,000 students between the ages of 10 and 18 are estimated to take part in the initiative.

The refreshed programme was launched on March 22 and began with two consecutive I Can Fly Aviation Explorer Days, attended by 870 students and run with the help of 70 Cathay volunteers. It was organised by a number of community engagement partners, with the support of the Hong Kong SAR Government’s Strive and Rise programme.

Cathay will continue to run other activities throughout 2025, including tours of Hong Kong International Airport’s Cathay City, Cathay Dining, Cathy Cargo Terminal, and Cathay Academy, as well as hold talks on the history of the aviation industry, and career mentorship.

As part of its education efforts, it will also feature a five-month aviation training course by the I Can Fly Youth academy, and an experience with the I Can Fly Discovery flight.

The programme expects to provide aspiring students of aviation with different career opportunities for the future, while training potential talent for the industry and strengthening Hong Kong’s status as an international aviation hub.

Liu Chun-san, under secretary of transport and logistics, , who was commemorated as the guests of honour, said: “Cathay’s I Can Fly programme is a meaningful initiative that not only broadens the participants’ horizons but also ignites their courage to pursue their aviation dreams.

“Quite a number of the locally trained pilots are also graduates of this programme, which is not just an ‘orientation course to aviation’, but also a ‘dream factory for aviation’.”

Cathay’s director of people, Patricia Hwang, added: “With our deep roots in Hong Kong, Cathay is committed to being a force of positivity for our community, focusing on the advancement of youth development, sports, and arts and culture to create a brighter future for all.

“I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to all of our volunteers, the Government and our partners for their invaluable support in making these fantastic occasions possible.”