The Hong Kong Region of the Air Pilots (previously the Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators) was founded in January 1982.  As we reach 40 years of growth and nurturing, it has become one of the most united and social regions within the Air Pilots.

The founding Chairman, Patrick Preston, was the driving force behind the establishment of the Region, seeing a unique opportunity in Hong Kong’s booming aviation scene at the time.  From these embryonic beginnings, it quickly became obvious that the Hong Kong region would be an active and vibrant organisation, with many pilots transferring their allegiance from London, thereby quickly growing the membership

It has always been the goal of the region to involve and embrace all Hong Kong related aviation bodies and services.  These include the Air Cadets, Observatory, Civil Aviation Department and Government Flying Service, the latter being the provider of search and rescue, anti-terrorism options and VIP government transport services.

Our Technical Committee maintains regular contact with the Civil Aviation Department and Hong Kong Observatory, in addition to providing a first point of contact to members for any potential wellbeing issues.

The Youth Flying Scholarship programme is also a vital part of the Company's efforts. Through the generosity of sponsors and donors, the Region has for many years been able to offer full and part scholarships towards the high cost of gaining a flying licence.  The application process usually commences in late December with a closing date in mid-January and potential applicants should keep a watchful eye on this site. 

The Region enjoys an active social calendar with regular functions ranging from casual Beer Calls and Junk Trips, to formal functions including the Master’s Banquet, a black tie dinner is the culmination of the Master’s annual visit to the regions and Hong Kong is honoured to traditionally host the event.

The Hong Kong Region started with a humble membership of just 58 in 1984 and now exceeds 150 members, with a diverse demographic of both nationalities and branches within the aviation community in Hong Kong.  Despite being a small region compared to some, ours is renowned for fostering an energetic and tight-knit community.  

Our goal is to encourage youth within aviation and also the Company, through active engagement both within the cockpit and socially.  We are committed to promote the good name of the Honourable Company of Air Pilots to assist it to continue to flourish root and branch within our region.

The Regional Executive Committee

Chairman  
    Captain Robert Jones

Vice-Chairman
    Mr David Sampson

Administrator and Head of Membership
    Captain Samantha Lewis

Honorary Treasurer
    Captain Chris Field

Honorary Secretary
    Mr David Sampson

Immediate Past Chairman
    Ms Valerie Stait

Head of Technical & Safety
    Ms Valerie Stait

Head of the Social Team and Head of Merchandise
    Captain Patrick Voigt

Head of Youth Development
    Captain Kayle Wooll

Head of Communications
    Mr Steven Cheung

Captain Chris Hazzard

Captain Gary Rickard

Captain Ian Smith

Mr Mike Cheung

Mr Connor Defalco

Join the Company?

If you are based in Hong Kong and are thinking of joining the Company you can download the membership application form below

This is a writeable pdf document which should be completed, saved and submitted to membership-hk@airpilots.org -  alternatively it may be downloaded, completed by hand and posted to:

The Honourable Company of Air Pilots (Hong Kong Region) Ltd
C/O Lee, Au and Co. Certified Accountants
Room 901 Centre Point
181-185 Gloucester Road
Wan Chai
Hong Kong

The Masters Regional Trophy

The Master's Hong Kong Trophy is awarded annually to companies or individual pilots who have, in the opinion of the committee, achieved excellence in their field.

2024 - Ms Valerie Stait

The Master's Trophy - Hong Kong Region 2025

Captain Pat Voigt joined the Royal Air Force straight from school, in 1986. Where he had been an active member of the school CCF, completing a Flying Scholarship in 1980.

Following Officer training in the RAF, Pat commenced his flying training on the Jet Provost at RAF Linton-on-Ouse. During that training he was streamed ‘Fast Jet’ and on completion of the Wings Course on the Hawk at RAF Valley he was selected to be ‘Creamed-Off’ off the top of all the students to become a QFI, prior to progressing to the front line.

Pat’s infectious enthusiasm made him an ideal choice to be a ‘Creamy!’

Once he had done his penance for being so good he was given his choice of posting. Bizarrely he chose the Harrier rather than the Tornado Ground Attack Force!

During his time on the Harrier, Pat participated in the Allied efforts to keep the Iraqi armed forces at bay on Operation Northern Watch, operating out of Incirlik Air Base in Southern Turkey.

In 1995 he was once again at the tip of the spear, dropping the first bombs in Europe since the Second World War on a target near Sarajevo.

During a very successful time on the Harrier, Pat was selected to be the Role-Demo pilot, showing off the capabilities of the Harrier at airshows around the country.

Upon leaving the Harrier and the Royal Air Force in 2004, Pat joined Cathay Pacific initially in the UK, as a First Officer on the Boeing 747 and then moved across to the 777 in Hong Kong, where he gained his command in 2016.

During the Covid pandemic Pat volunteered to move back to the Boeing 747 to assist with the Berlin Airlift style effort to keep Hong Kong going during the strict lock-down.

Pat left Cathay Pacific in 2022 to move back to the UK and once again renewed his ties with the Royal Air Force as a QFI on the Prefect at RAFs Cranwell and Barkston Heath teaching new recruits the elementary skills required to be an RAF pilot.

In late 2024 Pat rejoined Cathay Pacific as a Simulator Instructor, where he will once again enthuse young pilots to be the very best they can be.

Pat has had close ties to the Honorable Company of Air Pilots since 2008, when it was known as GAPAN. He has had an incredible effect on the Hong Kong Region, quickly becoming the Regional Vice Chairman to Locky Lawford and then as Chairman taking the seat in 2019. His efforts in both those roles propelled the Region to the successes it continues to see today even as we continue to recover from the lingering after effects of the pandemic. 

Upon his return to London Pat reverted his membership to London becoming an Assistant to the Court.

His return to Hong Kong has seen Pat return to the General Committee of the Honorable Company (Hong Kong Region) where once again the impact of his knowledge, energy and enthusiasm are being felt by the membership.

It is our great pleasure to award Captain Pat ‘PV’ Voigt the Master’s Regional Trophy for 2025.

Events and Visits in the UK

Information about Company events and visits in the UK can be found at the link above. You will need to use your membership password to access these pages. If you experience any difficulties, please contact your regional administrator or the office in London on office@airpilots.org.