Key Takeaways
• Cathay Pacific and Soong Ching Ling Foundation launched the Aviation Dream Youth Development Fund on May 23, 2025.
• The fund offers aviation education, hands-on training, mentorship, and career exposure to Chinese youth, including disadvantaged students.
• Cathay Pacific’s youth programs like I Can Fly support skill-building and social mobility in aviation for over 4,400 students.
On May 23, 2025, Cathay Pacific and the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation took a major step in youth development by launching the Aviation Dream Youth Development Fund. This new fund aims to help young people in China learn more about aviation, build practical skills, and spark interest in science and technology. The partnership highlights Cathay Pacific’s ongoing commitment to supporting the next generation and strengthening Hong Kong’s role as a leading international aviation hub.
This article explains what the Aviation Dream Youth Development Fund is, why it matters, how it fits into Cathay Pacific’s broader youth programs, and what it could mean for young people, families, and the aviation industry in China. We’ll also look at similar efforts in the country and what the future might hold for youth aviation education.
What Is the Aviation Dream Youth Development Fund?
The Aviation Dream Youth Development Fund is a new project created by Cathay Pacific and the Soong Ching Ling Foundation. The fund’s main goals are:
- Helping young people become more creative with science and technology
- Teaching practical skills that are useful in real life and in aviation
- Introducing students to aviation careers and education
This fund is designed to give young people in China more chances to learn about airplanes, airports, and the science behind flying. It also helps them see what kinds of jobs are available in the aviation industry, from pilots and engineers to ground staff and customer service.
The launch of this fund comes at a time when Cathay Pacific is seeing more passengers from the Chinese mainland. This growth makes it even more important for the airline to invest in future talent and keep Hong Kong’s aviation industry strong.
Why Is This Fund Important?
There are several reasons why the Aviation Dream Youth Development Fund matters for young people, families, and the aviation industry:
1. Building Skills for the Future
The aviation industry is changing quickly. New technology, stricter safety rules, and growing passenger numbers mean airlines need skilled workers. By teaching young people about aviation and science, the fund helps prepare them for jobs that will be in high demand.
2. Supporting Social Mobility
Many of the fund’s programs are open to students from underprivileged backgrounds. This means kids who might not otherwise get a chance to learn about aviation can now take part. It helps level the playing field and gives more young people the chance to dream big.
3. Strengthening Hong Kong’s Aviation Hub
Hong Kong is a major center for air travel in Asia. By training local youth and attracting talent, Cathay Pacific and its partners help keep the city competitive in the global aviation market.
4. Encouraging Innovation
By focusing on science and technology, the fund encourages students to think creatively and solve problems. These skills are important not just in aviation, but in many other industries as well.
How Does the Fund Work?
While the full details of the Aviation Dream Youth Development Fund have not been made public, the main activities are expected to include:
- Workshops and classes on aviation science and technology
- Hands-on training to build practical skills
- Visits to airports, airlines, and aviation companies
- Mentoring from aviation professionals
- Opportunities to learn about different aviation careers
These activities are designed to be fun and educational. They give students a real taste of what it’s like to work in aviation and help them decide if it’s a career they want to pursue.
Cathay Pacific’s Broader Youth Development Efforts
The Aviation Dream Youth Development Fund is just one part of Cathay Pacific’s larger plan to support young people. The airline has a long history of running programs that help students learn about aviation and build important life skills.
The “I Can Fly” Programme
One of Cathay Pacific’s best-known youth programs is I Can Fly. This program started in 2003 and has helped more than 4,400 students since then. The latest edition, launched in March 2025, has a new format and bigger goals:
- Targets about 2,000 young people aged 10-18
- Focuses on four main areas: Education, Discovery, Exploration, and Social Service
- Includes a five-month aviation training course called the I Can Fly Youth Academy
- Offers special events like the I Can Fly Discovery Flight, where students get to experience flying
The 2025 program began with two Aviation Explorer Days, where 870 students from underprivileged backgrounds took part. These events were supported by 70 Cathay Pacific volunteers and the Hong Kong SAR Government’s Strive and Rise programme.
Patricia Hwang, Cathay’s Director People, is serving as the Star Mentor for the Strive and Rise programme for the second year in a row. This shows the airline’s ongoing commitment to helping young people grow.
The Cathay Community Flight
Another important initiative is the Cathay Community Flight, which started in 2007. This program gives students a chance to experience flying, often for the first time. In November 2024, Cathay Pacific organized a special flight for over 180 students and mentors. Many of these students had never been on a plane before.
Eric Chan Kwok-ki, Chief Secretary for Administration, praised Cathay Pacific for its support of the Strive and Rise Programme. He noted that the airline had organized 25 activities over two groups, giving more than 2,500 students and mentors the chance to join community flights and visit aviation facilities.
The Role of the Soong Ching Ling Foundation
The Soong Ching Ling Foundation is a well-known organization in China that focuses on youth development, education, and social welfare. By working with Cathay Pacific, the foundation brings its experience and network to the Aviation Dream Youth Development Fund.
Together, the two organizations can reach more students across China and offer a wider range of programs. This partnership also helps connect the aviation industry with schools, families, and local communities.
Broader Trends in Youth Aviation Development
The launch of the Aviation Dream Youth Development Fund is part of a bigger trend in China. More companies and organizations are investing in youth aviation education. For example, the Jiangxi Guotai Group has also partnered with the Soong Ching Ling Foundation to create the “Guotai Dream Flight Youth Development Fund.” This shows that there is growing interest in helping young people learn about aviation and consider it as a career.
Cathay Pacific’s Current Position and Industry Context
Cathay Pacific is launching this fund at a time of strong growth and some challenges:
- Passenger numbers from the Chinese mainland are rising, which is good for business and creates more demand for skilled workers.
- Financial analysts are positive about Cathay Pacific’s future. For example, HSBC Global Research recently raised the airline’s target price from HK$9.20 to HK$9.40.
- Lower fuel costs are expected to help the airline’s profits.
- Operational challenges remain, such as avoiding Pakistani airspace due to the India-Pakistan conflict.
By investing in youth development now, Cathay Pacific is preparing for the future. The airline needs a steady supply of talented workers to keep up with growth and stay competitive.
What Does This Mean for Young People and Families?
For students and families in China, the Aviation Dream Youth Development Fund offers several benefits:
- Access to quality education and training in aviation
- Opportunities to meet and learn from industry professionals
- A chance to experience flying and visit aviation facilities
- Support for students from underprivileged backgrounds
These programs can help young people discover new interests, build confidence, and make informed choices about their future careers.
Implications for the Aviation Industry
The aviation industry in China is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years. This means there will be more jobs for pilots, engineers, air traffic controllers, and other aviation professionals. By supporting youth education now, Cathay Pacific and its partners are helping to make sure there will be enough skilled workers to meet this demand.
This is also important for safety and innovation. Well-trained workers are better able to handle new technology, follow safety rules, and solve problems. This keeps passengers safe and helps the industry grow in a smart way.
How Does This Connect to Immigration and International Mobility?
Aviation is a global industry. Many aviation jobs involve working with people from different countries, traveling abroad, or even moving to another country for work or study. Programs like the Aviation Dream Youth Development Fund can help young people develop the skills and confidence they need to take part in the global workforce.
For example:
- Students who learn about aviation may decide to study abroad in countries with strong aviation schools
- Some may later work for international airlines or airports
- Others may become involved in research, technology, or management roles that require travel or international cooperation
By giving young people a strong foundation in aviation, these programs open doors to new opportunities both in China and around the world.
For more information about studying or working in aviation abroad, readers can visit the official Study in China website for details on student exchange and international education programs.
The Future of the Aviation Dream Youth Development Fund
While Cathay Pacific and the Soong Ching Ling Foundation have not yet shared all the details about future plans, their track record suggests this will be a long-term effort. The airline’s history with programs like I Can Fly and the Community Flight shows a strong commitment to youth development.
As China continues to focus on science, technology, and innovation, the need for skilled aviation workers will only grow. The Aviation Dream Youth Development Fund is well-positioned to help meet this need by inspiring and training the next generation.
Similar Initiatives in China
As reported by VisaVerge.com, other organizations are also investing in youth aviation development. The Guotai Dream Flight Youth Development Fund, for example, shows that there is a growing movement to support young people in this field. These efforts may lead to more partnerships, new programs, and greater opportunities for students across the country.
Key Takeaways and Next Steps
- The Aviation Dream Youth Development Fund is a new partnership between Cathay Pacific and the Soong Ching Ling Foundation, launched in May 2025.
- The fund aims to help young people in China learn about aviation, build practical skills, and explore career options.
- It is part of a larger trend of investment in youth aviation education in China.
- Cathay Pacific’s other programs, like I Can Fly and the Community Flight, have already helped thousands of students.
- The fund supports social mobility by including students from underprivileged backgrounds.
- Aviation education can open doors to international study and work opportunities.
- The industry’s growth means there will be more jobs for skilled workers in the future.
If you or your child are interested in aviation, keep an eye out for announcements from Cathay Pacific and the Soong Ching Ling Foundation about how to apply for these programs. Schools and community groups may also share information about upcoming workshops, training sessions, and flights.
For those considering a future in aviation, it’s a good idea to:
- Learn more about science, technology, and math in school
- Take part in workshops or events offered by airlines or aviation groups
- Talk to teachers, mentors, or professionals in the field
- Explore international study or exchange programs if interested in working abroad
By taking these steps, young people can prepare themselves for exciting careers in one of the world’s most dynamic industries.
For more details on youth development and aviation programs in China, visit the official Study in China website. This site provides information on student exchange, scholarships, and international education opportunities.
The launch of the Aviation Dream Youth Development Fund marks an important milestone for youth, families, and the aviation industry in China. With strong support from Cathay Pacific, the Soong Ching Ling Foundation, and other partners, the future looks bright for the next generation of aviation professionals.
Learn Today
Aviation Dream Youth Development Fund → A partnership initiative providing aviation education and training opportunities to young people in China.
Soong Ching Ling Foundation → A Chinese organization focused on youth development, education, and social welfare partnerships.
I Can Fly Programme → Cathay Pacific’s youth aviation education program targeting students aged 10-18 with training and flight experiences.
Strive and Rise Programme → Hong Kong government initiative supporting underprivileged youth’s personal development and community engagement.
Cathay Community Flight → A program allowing students, often first-time flyers, to experience aviation firsthand through special flights.
This Article in a Nutshell
Cathay Pacific and the Soong Ching Ling Foundation launched the Aviation Dream Youth Development Fund to empower Chinese youth with aviation skills and career pathways. This initiative fits within Cathay’s broader youth education efforts, promoting innovation, social mobility, and strengthening Hong Kong’s role in global aviation through practical training and mentorship.
— By VisaVerge.com
