I was called for an interview back in 2009, but back then the scheme was open to international cadets and therefore the assessment was in London. However, I filled in the application in the summer and did not receive the interview invitation till the following year.
I did no technical A-levels, despite that I did not do A-level. I did an equivalent to A-levels and did not do too well in my GCSE's but I worked hard to get into University to study Computer Science.
Anyway, I worked hard on the application form and added all my work experience and extra curricular activities. I also sent my answers to get checked by different people for their suggestion and grammar correction.
I guess you might have made a spelling mistake, answers were not strong enough or not the type of person Cathay Pacific are looking for.