Cathay delighted the community by hosting the inaugural Cathay Inter-School Aviation Challenge Cup (CISACC) on Sunday, 25 January. This event took place at the Hong Kong Palace Museum. The initiative reflects Cathay’s deep commitment to being a positive force for the community. Furthermore, it aims to nurture the next generation of aviation enthusiasts for the Hong Kong international aviation hub.
The competition began with four preliminary rounds, each featuring four schools. The top four teams of each round progressed to the Finale. Meanwhile, the remaining teams competed in the CISACC Plate Competition. This was a STEAM-based aircraft building challenge. Judges evaluated the teams on aircraft performance, geometry, structure, livery, and teamwork.
Strategic Support for Civil Aviation Development
The event was attended by Chief Flight Standards of the Civil Aviation Department, Captain Lawrence Wong, as Guest of Honour. Captain Wong delivered a speech noting that Hong Kong’s civil aviation has evolved significantly since the days of Kai Tak Airport. He highlighted that the industry marked its 100th anniversary in 2025. This journey reflects a continuous pursuit of high-quality development.
Over the years, the Civil Aviation Department has worked closely with local airlines and training institutions. They aim to nurture talent in flying, engineering, maintenance, and aviation management. Consequently, diverse training programs now support the industry’s long-term growth. Captain Wong praised CISACC for providing a platform that helps young people build a strong foundation for future careers.
Expanding Reach Across the Greater Bay Area
Cathay Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Lavinia Lau also addressed the audience. She expressed hopes for CISACC to become an annual event. Furthermore, plans are in place to expand it to the wider Greater Bay Area. This expansion will nurture more aviation talent for Hong Kong and beyond.
Lau emphasized that Cathay remains committed to promoting youth development. By making aviation education engaging and accessible, initiatives like CISACC provide a platform for students to build confidence. Lau looks forward to seeing future leaders take flight from this platform. Their contributions will ensure Hong Kong’s continued success as an international aviation hub.
Inaugural Champions and Rewarding Success
After an exhilarating finale, Christian Alliance S. C. Chan Memorial College emerged as the first-ever CISACC champion team. Because of their victory, they earned a place in the Cathay I Can Fly Youth Academy. This includes a trip to Adelaide to explore different aspects of aviation and engage in cross-cultural interactions. The winning team expressed their thrill, stating that their hard work has truly paid off.
Other finalists received aviation-themed awards, including round-trip flight tickets to any Asia destination within the Cathay Pacific network. Some students also received a flight simulator experience. Additionally, St. Joseph’s College was named the winner in the CISACC Plate Competition.
