Cathay Pacific retains third-best airline title, wins cabin crew and lounge awards

Hong Kong's flag carrier, Cathay Pacific Airways, has been named the world's third-best airline for the second year in a row, alongside receiving top accolades for its cabin crew and first-class lounge, according to recent industry rankings. Singapore Airlines secured the top position, surpassing Cathay Pacific after moving from second place last year.

Qatar Airways claimed the second spot, down from its previous position. Cathay Pacific's CEO, Ronald Lam Siu-por, attributed the recognitions to the team's dedication to excellence in customer experience and service. The airline has allocated around HK$150 billion (US$19 billion) towards expanding and upgrading its fleet, refining cabins and lounges, and advancing digital innovation.

These investments aim to enhance customer experience and maintain Hong Kong's status as a premier international aviation hub. The award for best first-class lounge comes after the April reopening of The Wing, First – Cathay's premier first-class lounge in Hong Kong International Airport. The airline has consistently improved in Skytrax rankings since the city's post-pandemic reopening, reaching third place this year after being eighth in 2023 and fifth in 2024.

Earlier this year, the carrier also won awards for World's Best Business Class and World's Best Airline-Branded Lounges in AirlineRatings' safety and in-flight product quality rankings. Cathay Pacific reported a 71% increase in net profit to HK$6.24 billion in the first six months of 2026, thanks to heightened passenger and cargo demand.

Passenger numbers rose 17.5% year on year to 16 million, and passenger revenue grew 26.3% to HK$43.2 billion over the same period.