In an ambitious move, Cathay Pacific is set to repurchase a 9.6% stake that it previously sold to Qatar Airways in 2017, pending the approval of its shareholders. The airline plans to buy back the stake for approximately $896.5 million, significantly more than the $662 million Qatar initially invested.
Cathay Group Chairman Patrick Healy expressed confidence in the airline’s future, stating, “The buy-back reflects our strong confidence in the future of the Cathay Group and underscores our commitment to the development of the Hong Kong international aviation hub.” This decision comes after a challenging period during which Cathay Pacific experienced substantial losses, exacerbated by the pandemic and earlier social unrest in Hong Kong.
Despite the adversity, the carrier reported a promising post-pandemic recovery. For the first half of 2025, Cathay Group, which encompasses both Cathay Pacific and low-cost carrier HK Express, announced a profit of $476 million—marking its third consecutive profitable first half. The airline’s recovery is evident, as it operated 12.4% more seats over the 12 months ending in October 2023 compared to the same period in 2019, according to Cirium data.
Qatar Airways, which has diverse investments in various airlines such as Virgin Australia and International Airlines Group (parent of British Airways), has indicated that now is the right time to divest its Cathay shares. CEO Badr Mohammed Al Meer stated that the decision follows a period of record profitability and reflects a strategic move to optimize their investments for long-term growth.
Even with this stake buy-back, the partnership between Cathay Pacific and Qatar Airways will continue, reinforced by their collaboration within the Oneworld alliance. This ongoing relationship highlights the importance of mutual support among airline partners in an evolving air travel landscape.
