NEWS: Cathay Pacific Soars into Its 80th Year with Year-Long Celebrations

Cathay Pacific is marking a remarkable milestone in aviation history as it celebrates its 80th anniversary with a year-long series of events and special initiatives designed to honor its legacy and engage passengers worldwide. The airline kicked off the celebrations on 6 January with the unveiling of a specially designed aircraft livery that pays tribute to decades of service and innovation.

“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. “As we mark 80 years, we celebrate not just our history, but the trust and loyalty of the millions of passengers who have flown with us over the decades.”

The first highlight of the anniversary is a special Airbus A350 livery, featuring Cathay’s iconic green-and-white stripes, the signature ‘lettuce leaf sandwich’ design, and the 80th-anniversary emblem. A second livery, reflecting the same classic ‘lettuce leaf sandwich’ design, will soon be applied to one of Cathay’s Boeing 747 freighters, bringing a touch of nostalgia to the airline’s cargo fleet.

Passengers throughout 2026 will also enjoy a unique journey through time onboard. Around 2,000 cabin crew members will don vintage uniforms, representing different design eras in Cathay’s history, while offering a limited-edition birthday merchandise collection inspired by the airline’s historic liveries and iconic designs.

Looking to the future, Lam emphasized that Cathay is continuing to invest heavily in customer experience and innovation. “Our HK$100 billion (US$12.8 billion) investment in fleet upgrades, cabin products, lounges, and digital innovation will elevate the travel experience for our passengers. These initiatives reflect our refreshed vision to become our customers’ most loved service brand,” he said.

With its 80th anniversary, Cathay Pacific not only honors its rich heritage but also reaffirms its commitment to connecting people and communities around the globe, blending nostalgia with modern excellence for decades to come.