BEIJING— Hong Kong-based airline Cathay Pacific (CX) has begun a major international recruitment campaign aimed at hiring 3,000 employees in 2026. The initiative started in Beijing as the airline sought to strengthen its workforce and support long-term network expansion.
The recruitment push reflects Cathay’s renewed growth strategy as global air travel continues to recover. The airline plans to recruit pilots, flight attendants, engineers, and technology specialists while increasing hiring efforts across mainland China and other markets.
Cathay Pacific Hiring 3,000 Employees
Cathay Pacific intends to add around 3,000 employees worldwide this year. The new roles will span several operational and technical departments across the airline’s network.
Recruitment will include positions for pilots, cabin crew members, aircraft engineers, and digital specialists. The airline aims to expand its workforce in response to rising passenger demand and network development.
Currently, the Cathay Group employs more than 33,000 people representing over 70 nationalities. Among them are more than 4,000 staff members from mainland China, including approximately 800 flight attendants.
The airline began hiring from mainland China again in 2023 after pandemic-related disruptions. In 2025 alone, it recruited around 1,000 employees from the mainland as travel demand continued to rebound, reported SCMP.
Executives say the company remains open to hiring additional pilots if qualified candidates meet its training and operational standards.
The campaign also comes as the airline celebrates its 80th anniversary. Executives say the company wants to attract new talent that can support operational growth, improve passenger services, and strengthen international connectivity.
Mainland Recruitment of Cathay Pacific
Cathay Pacific considers mainland China one of its most important talent pools outside Hong Kong. The airline launched its latest recruitment event in Beijing to strengthen relationships with universities, aviation institutes, and job seekers across the region.
The company currently operates two cabin crew bases on the mainland, located in Beijing and Shanghai.
These bases collectively employ around 80 staff members, and the airline plans to recruit about 40 additional employees in the near future.
Cathay has also expanded its technology operations in southern China. The airline maintains digital and technology offices in Shenzhen and Guangzhou in Guangdong province.
These teams have grown to approximately 200 employees as Cathay continues to invest in digital platforms, customer experience tools, and operational technology.
The airline has also formed partnerships with several mainland universities and training institutions to support recruitment and talent development.
Cathay Pacific’s Expansion Strategy
Cathay Pacific’s hiring push follows a year of strong financial performance. The airline reported revenue of HK$116.77 billion in 2025, representing an 11.9 percent increase compared with the previous year.
Net profit reached HK$10.8 billion, growing 9.5 percent year-on-year. The results marked one of the carrier’s strongest financial recoveries since the pandemic disrupted global aviation.
The airline has also continued expanding its route network. In 2025, Cathay launched new services connecting Hong Kong with Changsha in Hunan province and Urumqi in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.
These routes have proven popular among Hong Kong travelers and highlight the airline’s focus on strengthening connections with mainland Chinese destinations.
Applicants attending the Beijing recruitment event said Cathay’s international work environment and flexible scheduling policies attracted their interest. Some candidates also highlighted the opportunity to remain based in China while working for a global airline.
Cathay executives say the company will continue building its workforce and operational capabilities as it positions itself for long-term growth in the Asia-Pacific aviation market.
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