Cathay I Can Fly programme celebrates 20 years of youth empowerment

Some 300 students with a passion for aviation spread their wings

March 4, 2024 -- Cathay volunteer leaders together with student representatives led the pledge on stage.

Cathay is committed to supporting youth development in Hong Kong with its flagship I Can Fly programme serving as a key initiative to promote aviation and encourage young people to contribute to society.After a five-year hiatus, the I Can Fly programme made its highly anticipated return today, welcoming around 300 students with a passion for aviation to participate in the programme’s ninth pledging ceremony, which marks the 20th anniversary of the I Can Fly programme.

Cathay Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Ms Lavinia Lau welcomed Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mr Lam Sai-hung as the guest of honour at the pledging ceremony.

Mr Lam Sai-hung said: “I would like to sincerely thank Cathay for its continuous efforts in developing various community projects to promote youth development. I am honoured to attend the pledging ceremony for the ‘I Can Fly’ programme which has resumed for the first time since the pandemic. For 20 years, this programme has introduced more than 4,000 students to the world of aviation, planting the seeds to inspire them to become Hong Kong aviation professionals in the future. It also reflects the dedication of all the Cathay volunteers to make a positive impact through their own experiences. I wish all of the participants every success and hope they shine bright after joining this wonderful journey.”

Lavinia said “We are delighted to have Cathay I Can Fly programme return after five years. With our deep roots in Hong Kong, Cathay is committed to doing our part to support our local community, and one of the areas that is especially close to our hearts is youth development. Through the various youth development initiatives that we organise and contribute to, we are determined to help develop local talent and provide opportunities for young people to move forward in life.

“We are extremely proud to have seen thousands of students graduate from our I Can Fly programme since its launch, and we hope that this year's members will similarly be able to realise their dreams and spread their wings. I would like to sincerely thank all of our Cathay volunteers who have given their personal time and professional knowledge to make this year, the 20th anniversary of the programme, a great success. I firmly believe that together, we will create a positive impact in our community as we strive to achieve our vision of becoming one of the world’s greatest service brands.”

Launched in 2003, the I Can Fly programme combines aviation know-how and social service, empowering young people to reach their dreams. Through this unique educational experience, members gain valuable insights into the aviation world while building up their personal development and achieving their aspirations. Over four thousands of members have graduated from the programme since its launch with many have since taken up careers within the aviation industry.

Under the guidance of Cathay volunteer leaders, members will engage in a series of aviation activities. These include visits to various aviation facilities, aviation-related training and the brand-new addition to the programme – the exchange tour to Zhuhai. Members will also design and implement their own social service project to contribute to the community. Selected members with outstanding performance will have the opportunity to take part in an aviation experiential trip in this summer, further exploring different aspects of aviation and fostering cross-cultural interactions.

Cathay’s deep commitment to youth development was on full display with its contributions to various programmes, such as the Strive and Rise Programme, the I Can Fly programme, the Cadet Pilot Training Programme, the Cathay Hackathon, collaboration with the Vocational Training Council, and various summer internship and graduate trainee programmes.

Over the years, Cathay has also organised a broad range of community initiatives to support local groups with special needs, including volunteer services to provide homework support and mentorship for children.

For more information, visit www.cathay.com

Cathay Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Ms Lavinia Lau welcomed Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mr Lam Sai-hung as the guest of honour at the pledging ceremony.

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