Cathay Pacific has celebrated the completion of its time at the Asia Pacific Aircraft Storage (APAS) maintenance facility in Alice Springs with its final aircraft taking to the skies after nearly four years.

The last aircraft to leave, an Airbus A330, was the first of 76 aircraft to enter the storage facility on 28 July 2020 after the unprecedented pandemic forced Cathay Pacific to ground the majority of its passenger fleet.

Cathay Pacific Regional General Manager – Southwest Pacific, Frosti Lau, said: “This is a special moment, not only for the team in Australia, but also the brand.

“Cathay Pacific continues to regrow its network and flights, and this was the final piece in getting all our aircraft back in the sky. It has been incredible to witness the teamʼs dedication to achieve this.”

The closing of this chapter in Alice Springs signifies a huge step forward for Hong Kongʼs home carrier as it plans to rebuild its passenger flights to 100% of pre-pandemic levels within the first quarter of 2025.