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

Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific Airways has been designated the world's third-best airline for the second year in a row, alongside winning accolades for outstanding cabin crew and first-class lounges in recent industry assessments. Singapore Airlines reasserted its top position in the British-based Skytrax World Airline Awards, climbing from second place last year and trading places with Qatar Airways, which fell to second.

Cathay's chief executive, Ronald Lam Siu-por, acknowledged the group's achievements, stating that these recognitions reflect the team's dedication to providing exceptional customer experience and service both on board and at airports. Lam, present at the London awards ceremony, pledged HK$150 billion (US$19 billion) in investments to further expand and upgrade the airline's fleet, cabins, lounges, and digital systems, aiming to enhance customer satisfaction and maintain Hong Kong's status as a premier international aviation hub.

The award for best first-class lounge follows the April reopening of Cathay's flagship The Wing, First lounge at Hong Kong International Airport. The airline has steadily risen in Skytrax rankings since the city's post-pandemic reopening, achieving eighth place in 2023, fifth in 2024, and third in 2025 before retaining the third position this year.

This year, Cathay also claimed awards for World's Best Business Class and World's Best Airline-Branded Lounges in rankings by AirlineRatings, a platform focused on safety and in-flight product quality. The carrier reported a 71% year-on-year increase in net profit to HK$6.24 billion in the first half of 2026, fueled by heightened passenger and cargo demand.

Growth was observed across premium services, low-cost operations, and cargo activities, with total passenger numbers reaching 16 million in the first half, a 17.5% year-on-year increase, and passenger revenue rising 26.3% to HK$43.2 billion over the same period.