Cathay Pacific Invites Students to Learn about Environmental Conservation in Hong Kong and Mainland China

Applications for U.S. Students Accepted through 17 June 2011

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Cathay Pacific Airways will sponsor 40 students from around the world to take part in the new Cathay Pacific Green Explorer program - an eight-day educational excursion that will take place in Hong Kong and Sichuan Province in the People’s Republic of China. The program, which runs from 13 to 20 Aug. 2011, aims to give participants a better understanding of environmental issues and the importance of conservation.

The Cathay Pacific Green Explorer 2011 program, for students ages 16 to 18, is launched as part of Cathay Pacific’s ongoing commitment to sustainable development and corporate social responsibility.

Cathay Pacific Chief Executive John Slosar said: “We are delighted to launch the Green Explorer program to help broaden the horizons and expand the world view of young participants from around our network. We hope the delegates will take home some important messages relating to environmental, conservation and sustainable development issues and apply them in their own lives and home country.

”At Cathay Pacific we recognize our responsibility towards the environment and are aware that the future of the planet depends on the young people who will be tomorrow’s decision makers. We hope our new program will put them on the path to a greener future.”

Three students from the United States will join delegates from Hong Kong, Australia, Canada, Germany, Korea, Malaysia, South Africa, Taiwan and Vietnam in this unique educational experience. U.S. applicants must be residents of the greater Los Angeles, greater New York City or greater San Francisco Bay Area regions.

Applications are open to full-time students between the ages of 16 and 18 who have been involved in environmental or community activities. Applicants are required to submit an essay on an environmental topic that is close to their hearts and relevant to his or her home country or the global situation. Students can submit online applications via www.cathaypacific.com/greenexplorer through 17 June 2011.

Successful applicants will gather in Hong Kong to visit a green project run by the Hong Kong SAR Government before traveling to Yingjing County in Sichuan Province. Known for its breathtaking natural beauty, Yingjing is home to some of the last remaining Giant Panda populations in the wild, diverse ethnic communities and upstream watersheds that feed some of China’s major rivers. On site, the students will see for themselves how economic growth is affecting natural resources and observe how conservation efforts are bringing tangible and sustainable social benefits at different levels.

Highlights of the eight-day program include classroom sessions on forest carbon, a field visit to rare and ancient forests near Taihu Temple and interactions with indigenous communities. Students will also hike at Daxiangliang National Reserve and camp overnight at a local forestry station. In addition, to help them appreciate the work of environmental experts and local forestry staff, the students will learn how to monitor wildlife and identify fauna and flora in the Niba Mountain area.

Full program details, along with applicable terms and conditions, can be found at www.cathaypacific.com/greenexplorer.

About Cathay Pacific Airways

In the United States, Cathay Pacific Airways flies daily to Hong Kong from Los Angeles, New York JFK, San Francisco – and starting Sept. 1, Chicago. Information on the airline’s sustainability development achievements and continuing efforts can be found at www.cathaypacific.com/cpa/en_US/aboutus/sd/sdreport.