21 Feb 2025
#4 Feb 2025: China Aviation Industry Newsletter
Cathay Pacific Wins Two Prestigious Design Accolades for Inflight Entertainment System
Cathay Pacific has received global acclaim for its innovative inflight entertainment (IFE) system, securing two of the aviation industry’s top design awards. The airline was named a Gold winner in the "Excellent Communications Design – Interactive User Experience" category at the 2025 German Design Award and also won the Red Dot Award 2024 in the “Brands & Communication Design – User Interface Design” category. Vivian Lo, Cathay’s General Manager of Customer Experience and Design, emphasised the airline’s dedication to delivering a world-class passenger experience through human-centric design, innovation, and intuitive user interfaces developed in partnership with Reaktor.
Hainan Airlines Launches Direct Flights to Japan
Hainan Airlines has launched a new direct flight route connecting Haikou, China, with Osaka, Japan, beginning April 1st, 2025. This new service is the airline’s 17th international and regional route from Haikou, highlighting its commitment to strengthening global connectivity. Operating three round-trip flights per week—on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays—the new route aims to bolster economic, trade, and tourism relations between China and Japan, while offering travellers greater convenience for cross-border travel.
Hong Kong Air Cargo Launches Flights to Glasgow Prestwick Airport
Hong Kong Air Cargo (HKAC) has launched flights to Glasgow Prestwick Airport (PIK), becoming the first Far East airline to operate at the Scottish hub. The inaugural flight, using an Airbus A330-200F, commenced on 11th February 2025, with additional flights scheduled for 18th and 25th February 2025. Each flight will carry up to 60 tonnes of cargo, which will be processed at PIK and then distributed by Royal Mail Group and EVRI. According to Nico Le Roux, a representative from Glasgow Prestwick Airport, this launch is part of the airport’s broader initiative to develop itself into a leading e-commerce hub, with significant investments in cargo handling infrastructure and the appointment of a dedicated representative for the Greater China region.
Acumen’s Take
On Cathay Pacific’s Design Awards:
Cathay Pacific’s recognition for its inflight entertainment system highlights the increasing importance of customer experience as a competitive differentiator in aviation. As airlines focus on enhancing passenger engagement through technology, there are significant opportunities for asset managers and operators to invest in cutting-edge digital products. Acumen’s digital services can help clients leverage innovative IFE solutions to improve customer satisfaction while optimising operational efficiency.
On Hainan Airlines’ Direct Flights to Japan:
The expansion of Hainan Airlines’ international network reflects a broader trend of strengthening global connectivity, particularly between Asia’s key markets. This new route offers strategic opportunities for asset owners and lessors to support growing fleet requirements. Acumen’s consultancy and asset management services provide valuable insights into route profitability, enabling clients to optimise aircraft deployment and fleet utilisation.
On Hong Kong Air Cargo’s Flights to Glasgow Prestwick Airport:
The launch of Hong Kong Air Cargo’s operations at Glasgow Prestwick underscores the rising demand for air freight services, driven by the growth of global e-commerce. For investors and asset managers, this presents new opportunities in the cargo sector, particularly in developing specialised infrastructure for freight handling. Acumen’s expertise in asset lifecycle management can assist stakeholders in maximising returns on cargo aircraft investments while supporting operational scalability in emerging logistics hubs.
Acumen Aviation © 22 February 2025 All Rights Reserved
