Cathay Pacific is rewriting its loyalty programme with a 1 January 2027 relaunch that abolishes status resets, introduces Status Point rollovers, adds a new “Diamond Exec” elite tier, and reshapes mid-status benefits for Green through Diamond members.
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GLOCathay Pacific is preparing to launch a major overhaul of its Cathay rewards program on January 1, 2027, giving members a redesigned, more flexible system and a new elite level at the top of the ladder. The airline has confirmed it will not shift to a spend-based model, opting instead to maintain its familiar points-based status qualification.
The update, announced over a year in advance, promises to simplify membership, improve fairness, and reward long-term loyalty across every tier—from entry-level Green members to top-tier Diamonds.
1. No More Midyear Resets
One of the most requested improvements is the removal of midyear status resets.
Under the new structure, members can continue earning Status Points beyond the threshold of their current tier without losing progress.
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300 Status Points for Silver
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600 Status Points for Gold
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1,200 Status Points for Diamond
Cathay will also move to a calendar-year membership cycle (January 1–December 31), replacing the old system where each member’s year started on their join date.
When the new program launches, existing members will retain their current tier through December 31, 2026. From January 2027 onward, their status will be determined by the points earned during the 2026 calendar year.
This update eliminates the frustration of hitting a new tier only to see points reset immediately—a long-standing complaint among frequent flyers.
2. Status Point Rollovers and Lifetime Diamond Rewards
From 2027, excess Status Points above your current tier will roll over into the following year for Gold and Diamond members, up to 50% of the number required for that tier.
Cathay is also introducing a lifetime recognition benefit for its most loyal travelers. Members who have held Diamond status for five cumulative years will earn a complimentary Diamond membership year for every 6,000 lifetime Status Points they accumulate.
There’s no limit to how many complimentary Diamond years can be banked, and members can activate them whenever desired—such as during years with reduced travel when their regular status might be at risk.
3. Diamond Exec: A New Super-Elite Tier
A major highlight of the new program is the launch of Diamond Exec, a new top-tier level for those earning 2,400 Status Points in a single year.
Diamond Exec perks include:
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Buggy service at Hong Kong International Airport (for the member and one guest, departing from gates 40–80)
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Four Upgrade Passes (for single-sector upgrades to the next cabin class, up to Business Class)
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One complimentary Gold Companion membership for a friend or family member
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Access to a dedicated Relationship Manager hotline for personalized support
This tier recognizes Cathay’s highest flyers with VIP-style privileges and personal assistance designed to enhance the premium experience.
4. Milestone Benefits Revamped
Cathay is also reshaping its “milestone” or mid-status benefits system.
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Green members will receive new milestone benefits (to be revealed later in 2026).
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Silver members will earn two Business Class lounge passes upon reaching 450 Status Points.
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Gold and Diamond mid-status benefits—such as lounge passes, bookable upgrades, and companion cards—will end on January 1, 2027, though any earned in 2026 will remain valid for 12 months.
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Diamonds will no longer automatically receive complimentary buggy rides, which move exclusively to the Diamond Exec tier.
In place of the former “Bookable Upgrades,” Diamond members will now receive two Upgrade Passes upon reaching or renewing their status, though these won’t apply to upgrades from Business to First Class.
5. Staying Points-Based, Not Spend-Based
Unlike many global airlines that have shifted to spend-based loyalty models, Cathay is keeping its Status Points system. Members will continue to earn based on flights taken and class of service rather than total money spent.
This ensures that frequent flyers—especially those traveling on complex or discounted fares—remain valued within the program.
What It Means for Members:
The new system makes Cathay’s rewards program more predictable and flexible:
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Status is easier to maintain, thanks to rollover and lifetime benefits.
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Progress is continuous, with no resets after tier upgrades.
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Frequent flyers get more recognition, with the new Diamond Exec tier offering standout perks.
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Mid-tier members still benefit, though with fewer milestone freebies.
For business travelers, the changes reflect a fairer, more transparent model that values consistency over pure spending power.
GLO Take:
Cathay’s revamp strikes a rare balance between modernization and loyalty tradition. While competitors like British Airways, United, and Qantas have shifted to revenue-based systems, Cathay’s decision to stay flight-focused sends a clear message: loyalty is still earned in the air, not just at the checkout counter.
The introduction of Diamond Exec elevates Cathay’s status ladder without alienating its core members, while rollover points and lifetime rewards reward true long-term engagement.
However, trimming mid-tier perks for Gold and Diamond could frustrate some frequent travelers who enjoyed the incremental rewards of milestone benefits. Still, for most, the program’s new structure offers greater transparency, tangible progression, and flexibility—a refreshing move in an industry increasingly dominated by spend metrics.
Cathay’s 2027 loyalty overhaul marks one of the most significant updates in its history. By ending status resets, introducing rollovers and lifetime recognition, and debuting the Diamond Exec tier, the airline is reinforcing its commitment to rewarding loyalty in meaningful, flexible ways—without succumbing to the spend-based trend reshaping much of the industry.
Source: GLO
