Cathay has hosted 14 students on the autism spectrum for a behind-the-scenes tour of Sydney Airport and its passenger and cargo aircraft, as part of the airline’s Aviation Explorers Day.
The event, run under Cathay’s long-running “I Can Fly” youth development program, saw the airline team up with Sydney Airport and Aspect (Autism Spectrum Australia) for the four-hour excursion, which included time in the cockpit, a tour of the on-site fire station and hands-on exploration of a fire truck.
Students also tried out Cathay Pacific’s Aria Suite Business class, with PA announcements and watching the freighter’s nose open for cargo loading among the highlights, according to feedback from the children.
Cathay area head, Oceania, Richard Jones said the program aims to give young people a better understanding of aviation and travel by taking them behind the scenes of the airline’s operations.
“This is the first time the program has come to Sydney, and it was incredibly special to be supporting a local organisation in Aspect,” Jones said. “Seeing the pure joy that the visit created makes me feel immensely proud to be part of Cathay.”
Sydney Airport general manager passenger experience Leanne Geraghty said the airport’s long-term partnership with Aspect focuses on making travel more accessible, inclusive and predictable for passengers with additional needs, pointing to sensory maps, journey planners and a quiet room in the international terminal as examples. The airport also supports the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program, which gives passengers with non-visible disabilities a discreet way to signal they need extra support.
Aspect head of autism friendly Tom Tutton said the day gave students a rare, hands-on introduction to aviation in a welcoming environment.
This year marks the tenth edition of “I Can Fly”, which launched in 2003 and comprises three strands – the I Can Fly Youth Academy, the I Can Fly Discovery Flight and the I Can Fly Aviation Explorer Days. More than 8,800 students have taken part since the program began, with many going on to aviation careers. The program is running across four Southeast Asian and Oceania cities this year – Sydney, Manila, Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur – with new cities to be announced for 2027, as Cathay works toward a target of uplifting 80,000 lives in 2026 through its community programs.
