Swire sells part of Cathay Pacific stake for HK$1.8 billion to boost working capital

Group sold 153.05 million shares on Thursday at HK$11.74 each, but still holds 45.12 per cent of airline’s stock

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Cathay Pacific posted a 9.5 per cent rise in net profit to HK$10.82 billion for 2025. Photo: Winson Wong

Published: 8:40am, 13 Mar 2026Updated: 10:52pm, 13 Mar 2026

Conglomerate Swire Pacific has sold part of its stake in Hong Kong flag carrier Cathay Pacific Airways for HK$1.8 billion (US$230.8 million) to raise working capital.

In a rare move, the group revealed on Friday that it had sold 153.05 million shares at HK$11.74 each the previous day. This was a 9.6 per cent discount to the last traded price on Thursday of HK$12.99 per share.

Swire is the latest shareholder to reduce its stake in Cathay, following a sale by Air China in January for HK$1.32 billion. Doha-based carrier Qatar Airways sold its entire stake last November.

In a Hong Kong stock exchange filing, Swire said it intended to use the proceeds from the sale for working capital. It noted that following the transaction, the company would still hold about 45.12 per cent of Cathay’s shares. It remains the airline’s largest shareholder.

Swire’s sale is expected to generate a gain of HK$365 million.

At the close of trading on Friday, Swire Pacific “A” shares were up 3.08 per cent to HK$85.30 each, while Swire Pacific “B” shares rose 1.41 per cent to HK$13.65. Cathay Pacific shares dropped 5.08 per cent to HK$12.33.

Swire sells part of Cathay Pacific stake for HK$1.8 billion to boost working capital

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Group sold 153.05 million shares on Thursday at HK$11.74 each, but still holds 45.12 per cent of airline’s stock

Group sold 153.05 million shares on Thursday at HK$11.74 each, but still holds 45.12 per cent of airline’s stock