Hong Kong’s home carrier, Cathay Pacific (CX), has reaffirmed its standing among the global aviation elite after being named one of the Top 3 World’s Best Airlines at the prestigious 2026 Skytrax World Airline Awards. Alongside its overall podium placement, the international carrier took home two major industry honors, securing the awards for World’s Best Cabin Crew and World’s Best First Class Airline Lounge. These celebrated accolades highlight Cathay Pacific’s unwavering dedication to delivering a seamless, high-end passenger journey, spanning from attentive flight attendants aloft to world-class hospitality facilities on the ground.
Celebrating these achievements, Cathay Group Chief Executive Officer Ronald Lam expressed deep pride in the collective efforts of the airline’s workforce. “We are honoured to once again be named among the very best airlines in the world, and to receive the awards for World’s Best Cabin Crew and World’s Best First Class Airline Lounge. These recognition are a testament to the incredible efforts of the entire Cathay team, who continue to deliver excellence in customer experience and service both in the air and on the ground. Importantly, they will serve to motivate us to keep improving as we strive to become our customers’ most loved service brand. To achieve this vision, we have already committed around HK$150 billion in investments to expand and upgrade our fleet, enhance our cabins and lounges, and digitally innovate, all of which will elevate the customer experience and reinforce Hong Kong’s status as a world-class international aviation hub. I would like to thank our customers for their continued support, and our people for the passion, professionalism and dedication they bring to every journey,” Lam said. The Chief Executive Officer personally accepted the honors during a formal ceremony in London, where he was accompanied by Chief Operations and Service Delivery Officer Alex McGowan as well as Director Service Delivery Mandy Ng.
The prestigious award for World’s Best Cabin Crew underscores the signature hospitality provided by Cathay Pacific’s frontline personnel. Known for consistency, care, and genuine warmth, the cabin crew teams continue to set high standards in modern commercial aviation while solidifying the airline’s position among world-leading premium carriers. Meanwhile, the recognition for World’s Best First Class Lounge follows the grand reopening of The Wing, First — Cathay Pacific’s premier flagship space at Hong Kong International Airport—which underwent a thorough transformation earlier this year. The redesigned lounge sets a new benchmark in luxury travel by focusing on refined culinary offerings, elevated personal privacy, residential-style comfort, and highly attentive service, ushering in a dynamic era for the airline’s ground experience.