Cathay Pacific Welcomes

First Batch of Mainland Cadet Pilots

As of July 29, 2025, Cathay Pacific Airways has marked a significant milestone with the graduation of its first batch of cadet pilots from mainland China, recruited under a training scheme launched in 2023. This initiative, originally established in Hong Kong, extended to mainland residents, reflecting the airline’s strategic growth following the operational success of Hong Kong’s Three-Runway System. From over 750 applicants, 60 candidates were selected, with 30 completing training by May 2025 and joining Cathay as second officers.

Among the graduates, 30-year-old Lian Luo from Heilongjiang exemplifies a remarkable career shift. A journalism graduate from Hong Kong Baptist University, Luo was inspired by a peer to join a Middle Eastern airline as cabin crew. A flight experience in Australia solidified her aspiration to become a pilot, leading her to obtain a commercial pilot license in South Africa during the pandemic. Despite the challenges of transitioning and the hurdles faced as a female pilot, she remarked, “Since it’s a field we love, we must do our utmost to succeed.” After persistent effort, she joined Cathay in 2023, passing 15 Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department exams, and now flies routes to Toronto.

Similarly, 30-year-old Sun Yuming, a Virginia Tech graduate in electronic engineering, transitioned from a five-and-a-half-year role as a mechanic at Cathay’s Beijing office. Motivated by witnessing an A380 takeoff, he applied to the 2023 cadet program. Completing his line check in April 2025, he now operates long-haul flights to San Francisco, with ambitions to rise to captain. Both pilots highlight the program’s role in nurturing diverse talent.

Captain Chris Kempis, Cathay’s Director of Flight Operations, emphasized that the airline invested heavily in post-pandemic recovery in 2023 and 2024, achieving stability by 2025 with 100 destinations. The cadet scheme, he noted, has produced 60 mainland trainees, with Hong Kong and mainland China as key talent hubs, though future recruitment from other regions is possible. Flight Training Manager Fung Ying-chung ensured the training aligns with global standards, maintaining consistency across all pilots.

This initiative not only strengthens Cathay’s operational capacity but also bridges Hong Kong and mainland China, fostering a new generation of aviation professionals. As Lian and Sun demonstrate, determination and adaptability are driving forces behind this success, paving the way for Cathay’s continued growth.