Cathay Launches Refreshed ‘I Can Fly’ Youth Program

‍DALLAS – Cathay Pacific (CX) has launched the 2025 edition of its youth development program, 'I Can Fly.'

To attract young professionals to seek out opportunities in the aviation sector, CX has unveiled a revitalized program to inspire young people in Hong Kong (HKG) to consider careers in aviation.

This year’s program will welcome around 2,000 participants aged 10 to 18 and center on four key pillars: Education, Discovery, Exploration, and Social Service. CX said the program supports its broader commitment to youth development and the advancement of HKG as an international aviation hub. 

Under Secretary for Transport and Logistics Liu Chun-san officiated at the launch alongside CX’s Director for People Patricia Hwang. For a second year, she is serving as the Star Mentor of Strive and Rise. She said the program helps cultivate future talent for the aviation sector.

“We sincerely hope that their experiences will further ignite their passion for aviation, motivate them to consider pursuing a career in this exciting and dynamic industry, and inspire them to create positive change in society,” Hwang 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,” Liu said. 

Preparing for Careers in Aviation

The refreshed program launched with two Aviation Explorer Days, which welcomed 870 students from underprivileged backgrounds and was supported by 70 airline volunteers. It was delivered with the Hong Kong SAR Government’s Strive and Rise initiative. 

The Aviation Explorer Days gave participants a glimpse into behind-the-scenes operations and the possibilities of aviation. Participants visited Cathay City, Cathay Cargo Terminal, Cathay Dining, and Cathay Academy and attended talks about the industry’s history and job pathways.

The Education pillar will include the 'I Can Fly' Youth Academy, a five-month aviation training course. In contrast, the Discovery pillar will culminate with the 'I Can Fly' Discovery Flight later in the year.

Since its launch in 2003, over 4,400 students have graduated from I Can Fly, with many now working in the aviation industry.

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