To celebrate its grand 80th birthday, Cathay has unveiled a year-long series of events and celebrations – starting with a special unveiling of aircraft livery on 6 January, alluding to the airline’s ‘enduring legacy’.
“From Kai Tak to Chek Lap Kok, whether it’s studying abroad, conducting business, exploring the world, reuniting with family, or delivering vital supplies at critical moments, Cathay has always stood with the people of Hong Kong through countless shared journeys and memories,” said Cathay Group CEO Ronald Lam.
The special Airbus A350 features Cathay’s iconic green-and-white striped colours, 'lettuce leaf sandwich' design as well as the 80th anniversary year mark. A second 'lettuce leaf sandwich' livery on one of Cathay’s Boeing 747 freighters will also be revealed in the coming weeks.
Passengers flying with the airline in 2026 will also be treated to glimpses of its past: about 2,000 cabin crew will don Cathay Pacific’s vintage uniforms through various design eras on board, while also selling a birthday merchandise collection inspired by the special liveries and iconic designs of before.
Looking ahead, Lam added that their HK$100 billion (US$12.8 billion) investment into its fleet, cabin products, lounges and digital innovation, which he says will “elevate the customer experience as we strive towards our refreshed vision to become our customers’ most loved service brand”.