Hong Kong – Cathay Pacific Airways is cutting some non-operational roles, including positions in marketing and administration, as part of a broader push to rein in costs and redirect spending towards areas such as artificial intelligence, according to a Bloomberg report citing sources familiar with the matter.
The sources said CEO Ronald Lam has briefed his leadership team and managers this week on a plan to reduce head-office and back-office costs over the next several years. Cathay aims to cut administrative expenses by 20% by the end of 2030.
For 2026, the airline is targeting savings of roughly 5% across non-operational staff, with a focus on streamlining head-office functions. All departments have reportedly been asked to identify efficiencies as Cathay prepares for a slower rate of growth this year.
As part of the review, some departments and roles are being merged, and certain employees are being redeployed. A limited number of job cuts affecting both Hong Kong-based and overseas staff are also expected, the sources said.
The cost measures come even as Cathay plans to hire about 3,000 employees this year, which would push its headcount beyond 34,000 by the end of 2025. The airline is expected to scale back capacity growth to single digits for the first time since the pandemic, amid intensifying competition and pressure on passenger yields.
In a statement quoted by Bloomberg, Cathay spokesperson Andy Wong said the airline is “continuously assessing and refining our operations and organisation” to support its long-term strategy.
The report comes as Cathay begins marking its 80th anniversary, following a year of rapid expansion that included the launch of 20 new destinations.
