Gigi Yuen, 24, says her time with the programme and placement at Cathay has broadened her understanding of the local aviation industry. 

Gigi Yuen had a childhood dream of working in the aviation industry, but the limited study opportunities offered by her secondary school led her to choose a different path. She majored in biochemistry and cell biology at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, but by the time she graduated in 2023, Gigi knew she didn’t want a career in the laboratory.

Deciding to give aviation another shot, she joined the “Working Holiday@Lantau” programme organised by the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups, in conjunction with the Airport Authority. The annual scheme offers 10 young people one-year work placements at the airport with free accommodation.

Gigi is currently working as a crew operations officer at Cathay Pacific while on the programme. Flight operations are often affected by weather and other factors and the operations officer is responsible for handling sudden adjustments to the crew rosters to ensure each flight has sufficient personnel. It’s a challenging role, but the confidence she gained and her positive experience working for the airline reawakened Gigi’s dream of becoming a pilot. In recent months, she has enrolled on a flight simulator course, and is now setting her sights on joining Cathay’s Cadet Pilot Training Programme.

Gigi (front row, right) visiting Japan’s Narita International Airport, with other programme participants.