Cathay has announced its newest subsidiary, Cathay Technologies, aimed at bringing its advanced digital solutions to the aviation industry.

The airline group said it is leveraging its aviation industry expertise, drawing on nearly 80 years of history, to develop innovative in-house digital solutions that enhance user and customer experience, safety and operational excellence, and sustainability.

As part of the Cathay Group, Cathay Technologies will oversee the commercialisation of these digital products, making them available to the aviation market and helping to drive innovation within the sector. ​

"Cathay's vision is to transform into a digital leader famous for our strong digital culture and capabilities, whilst keeping our people and customers at the heart of how we use technology. We are constantly seeking innovative ways to enhance our services and products, staying ahead of the curve and setting new industry standards," said Lawrence Fong, Cathay Director Digital and IT.

"We see Cathay Technologies as an extension of Cathay's commitment to excellence, supported by our rich history and extensive understanding of the aviation industry, allowing us to provide unparalleled service and expertise to our solutions," he added.

Fong further stated that with Cathay Technologies, Cathay is achieving new heights in its efforts to foster innovation within the aviation industry and Hong Kong's digital sector.

Cathay Technologies will offer Electronic Flight Folder (EFF) which revolutionized how pilots access flight information. It will also support startups through partnerships.

The announcement said Cathay Technologies' flagship product is the EFF, which has been designed and developed in-house by the carrier's own aviation professionals. First developed in 2019, the EFF has revolutionised how pilots access and manage flight information, resulting in faster turnaround times and significant cost savings through workflow optimisation.

The EFF is now used by pilots across the Cathay Group's airlines, including Cathay Pacific, Cathay Cargo, HK Express and Air Hong Kong.

"The establishment of Cathay Technologies marks the next step in commercialising the product to the wider industry," Cathay said.

Cathay Technologies has also forged a partnership with the Hong Kong Science and Technology Park (HKSTP) on its Co-Acceleration Programme Fund, becoming among four investing firms and enterprise partners to support advancing technological innovation to spur the city's economic growth and development.

"Cathay has a long-standing commitment to supporting Hong Kong's technology ecosystem and fostering innovation and economic growth in the wider Greater Bay Area, including through our signature Cathay Hackathon and our successful graduate trainee programme," said Navin Chellaram, general manager of digital ventures and Cathay Technologies' CEO.

"This landmark fund, which will empower budding startups in Hong Kong and the rest of the Greater Bay Area, further strengthening the economic growth of the region," he added.

As a strategic partner of the HKSTP Co-Acceleration Fund, Cathay Technologies will explore potential proof of concept opportunities with relevant startups in addition to providing strategic advice and industry insights.

Additionally, through its direct investment in the fund, Cathay Technologies offers financial support that will help startups scale their operations and bring their products to market.