Investment-research platform Smartkarma issued a bullish earnings alert on 24 November, highlighting Cathay Pacific’s October passenger load factor of 85.8 per cent and strong forward bookings from North America and Europe. Analysts say the airline’s recent HK$6.96 billion buy-back of Qatar Airways’ 9.9 % stake simplifies ownership, boosts FY 2026–27 earnings per share and could pave the way for re-inclusion in the Hang Seng Index.
Smartkarma’s composite “Smart Score” rates Cathay 3.8/5, with a perfect 5 for growth and 4 for dividend and momentum factors. The note argues that consensus forecasts may still underestimate revenue upside as Hong Kong’s border fully normalises and the carrier rebuilds long-haul capacity.
![Analysts turn upbeat on Cathay as load factor tops 85 % and holiday bookings surge]()
From a mobility standpoint, a healthier balance sheet enables faster fleet expansion: Cathay has 61 A321neo, A350 and 777-9 aircraft on order, many earmarked for high-demand routes such as London, New York and Shanghai. A stronger cash position also supports IT upgrades—critical for corporate customers who increasingly demand NDC-compliant booking and real-time disruption-management tools.
However, the report cautions that geopolitics (e.g., the Japan advisory) and staff shortages could temper near-term optimism. Nonetheless, five “buy” and six “hold” calls versus four “sell” on the stock reflect improving sentiment toward Hong Kong’s flag carrier.
For corporate travel buyers, the takeaway is that Cathay intends to restore more frequencies and sharpen its premium-service edge—moves that could translate into stiffer competition for airlines serving the Greater Bay Area and potentially better negotiated fares for high-volume clients.
Smartkarma’s composite “Smart Score” rates Cathay 3.8/5, with a perfect 5 for growth and 4 for dividend and momentum factors. The note argues that consensus forecasts may still underestimate revenue upside as Hong Kong’s border fully normalises and the carrier rebuilds long-haul capacity.
From a mobility standpoint, a healthier balance sheet enables faster fleet expansion: Cathay has 61 A321neo, A350 and 777-9 aircraft on order, many earmarked for high-demand routes such as London, New York and Shanghai. A stronger cash position also supports IT upgrades—critical for corporate customers who increasingly demand NDC-compliant booking and real-time disruption-management tools.
However, the report cautions that geopolitics (e.g., the Japan advisory) and staff shortages could temper near-term optimism. Nonetheless, five “buy” and six “hold” calls versus four “sell” on the stock reflect improving sentiment toward Hong Kong’s flag carrier.
For corporate travel buyers, the takeaway is that Cathay intends to restore more frequencies and sharpen its premium-service edge—moves that could translate into stiffer competition for airlines serving the Greater Bay Area and potentially better negotiated fares for high-volume clients.
