16 Oct 2025
#3 October 2025: China Aviation Industry Newsletter
Cathay and Uber Taxi Link Up to Convert Ground Miles into Air Rewards
Cathay and Uber Taxi have introduced a first-of-its-kind partnership in Hong Kong that allows riders to earn Asia Miles on every Uber Taxi trip, including airport transfers. The collaboration integrates ground transport with airline loyalty, enabling users to link their Uber and Cathay accounts for automatic mile accrual. The initiative positions Cathay as a broader travel lifestyle brand, while giving Uber access to Cathay’s high-frequency travel base, particularly commuters and airport passengers.
CDB Aviation Meets with COMAC to Enhance Strategic Cooperation
CDB Aviation’s senior leadership, led by CEO Jie Chen, met with Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) executives in Shanghai to strengthen cooperation between the two companies. The discussions focused on expanding collaboration around the C919 narrowbody aircraft — a key milestone for China’s aviation manufacturing ambitions. The partnership underscores CDB Aviation’s support for COMAC’s efforts to offer airlines a credible alternative in the narrowbody market, diversifying supply and boosting competitive balance in the global airframe ecosystem.
China’s Civil Aviation Moves 19.1 Million Passengers Over National Day, Mid-Autumn Holidays
China’s aviation sector transported more than 19.1 million passengers during the combined National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival period (1–8 October), setting new post-pandemic records. According to the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), the average daily passenger volume rose 3.2% year-on-year to 2.39 million, with load factors reaching 87.9%. International traffic grew strongly as well, with over 2,000 daily flights operated by Chinese and foreign carriers — an 11.1% increase from last year. Regional routes to East and Southeast Asia remained dominant, while connectivity to Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia saw further expansion, signalling a diversified and resilient recovery.
Acumen’s Take
On Cathay–Uber Taxi Partnership
This partnership marks a strategic alignment between the mobility and airline sectors. By integrating ground transport rewards into its loyalty framework, Cathay enhances brand stickiness and passenger engagement beyond flight activity — a model that could shape future airline partnerships in Asia.
On CDB Aviation’s Engagement with COMAC
Strengthened collaboration between CDB Aviation and COMAC signals growing industry confidence in China’s homegrown aircraft manufacturing capabilities. Lessors’ participation will be essential in driving C919 leasing placements, fleet diversification, and international market acceptance.
On Holiday Travel Surge in China
The record holiday travel surge reinforces strong post-pandemic demand fundamentals. Elevated load factors and long-haul route expansion suggest sustained utilisation for Chinese carriers — a positive indicator for lessors and financiers eyeing growth in the region’s widebody and narrowbody segments.
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