Cathay Pacific ranked world’s No. 2 airline for 2026 as HK Express tops low-cost category

Hong Kong’s aviation sector received a morale boost on April 8 when industry website AirlineRatings released its 2026 ‘World’s Best Airlines’ list. Flag-carrier Cathay Pacific climbed to second place behind Qatar Airways, while sister carrier HK Express jumped from fourth to first in the global low-cost category. The judging panel scores airlines on safety, product innovation, fleet modernisation and passenger comfort. Cathay collected additional trophies for ‘World’s Best Business Class’—recognising its new Aria Suite—and ‘Best Airline-Branded Lounges’. Chief Executive Ronald Lam said the group’s HK$100 billion investment programme covering new A350s, cabin retrofits, digital enhancements and a rebuilt lounge network is “bearing fruit at the right moment” as traffic rebounds.



Before corporate travel planners dive into new agreements, it's worth remembering that smooth visa processing is just as vital as flight quality. VisaHQ’s Hong Kong portal (https://www.visahq.com/hong-kong/) provides fast, door-to-door assistance for business and leisure travelers alike, helping companies secure multi-entry visas, document legalizations, and passport renewals without disrupting itinerary planning—an easy way to capitalize on Cathay’s growing network while keeping administrative overheads low.

For corporate mobility teams the accolades have practical implications. A higher global ranking boosts Cathay’s negotiating power in corporate contracted-fare talks and may justify premium surcharges in travel policies. At the same time, HK Express’ low-cost crown strengthens the group’s dual-brand proposition—allowing travel managers to mix-and-match cabins across budgets while staying within one alliance for through-check and loyalty accrual. Travel consultants note that service recognition often precedes fare increases: Cathay has already raised passenger fuel surcharges by 34 percent effective April 1 and could adjust base fares after Easter. Companies should lock in mid-year travel blocks early and watch for updated corporate deal thresholds tied to cabin refurbishment roll-outs on long-haul routes such as Seattle, Milan and Johannesburg launching later this year. Beyond fares, the awards send a signal to relocating staff weighing Hong Kong against rival Asian hubs: convenient, high-quality air connections remain a core selling point in assignment packages. HR teams can leverage the news when marketing postings to senior talent concerned about travel comfort for family visits.