Cathay CEO sees great potential in AI scaling

Cathay Pacific Airways CEO Ronald Lam recognizes significant potential in expanding the airline's use of artificial intelligence (AI). On RTHK’s On Broadcast Drive program, he revealed that the company currently operates over 120 large-scale AI models, with all office staff utilizing AI tools in their daily operations. In the past year alone, AI usage within the company has surged by 200 percent, and Lam expresses optimism about the field's prospects.

Nevertheless, Lam stresses the importance of maintaining a balance between safety, reliability, and innovation while developing AI technology. He clarifies that AI is solely employed to streamline repetitive tasks and aid human employees, rather than replace them entirely. Regarding pilot recruitment and retention, Lam notes that the airline presently employs around 3,800 pilots, with more than half being local residents.

He highlights that the carrier's cadet pilot program has been active for nearly four decades, having trained thousands of aviators, and currently has 350 graduates serving as active pilots for the company. Moreover, Lam emphasizes that pilot turnover and overall staff turnover rates remain exceptionally low.

For the future, Lam stresses that the airline will prioritize hardware and software enhancements, alongside improving service consistency. This strategic focus aims to minimize inconvenience for passengers, even during adverse weather conditions.