80 years of Cathay Pacific Airways
As 2026 begins, Cathay Pacific officially opens its 80th anniversary celebrations, a milestone that spans eight decades of growth since 1946 alongside its hometown of Hong Kong, employees and customers around the world. The celebratory year will be marked by events, initiatives and special activities brought together under the theme "80 Years Together", to underline the carrier's vocation to connect people and places.
Anticipating the celebrations, Cathay unveiled a special livery on a long-haul Airbus A350 on 6 January. The design takes up the iconic "lettuce leaf sandwich" motif, a tribute to the historic green and white livery that has accompanied the company for generations, reinterpreted to tell continuity, evolution and future. In the coming weeks, a second celebratory livery will also be unveiled on a Boeing 747 freighter, testifying to the central role of cargo transport in the history of the group.
During the launch event, Cathay Group CEO, Ronald Lam, recalled how the company and Hong Kong have grown together, going through complex times and supporting each other: from the flights of the Kai Tak era to the current hub of Chek Lap Kok, Cathay has accompanied students, families, businesses and communities on journeys that have marked the life of the city.
Looking ahead, Cathay has confirmed investments of more than HK$100 billion in fleet, cabins, lounges and digital innovation, with the aim of further enhancing the passenger experience and cementing Hong Kong's role as an international aviation hub.
During 2026, part of the cabin and ground crew will wear historic uniforms from different eras of the brand, offering passengers a visual narrative of the evolution of Cathay style and service. This will be accompanied by an exclusive merchandising collection, inspired by the iconic liveries and designs of the past, reinterpreted for the world of travel and everyday life.
The celebrations will continue throughout the year with new announcements and special events, turning the 80th anniversary into an opportunity to celebrate Cathay's past while charting the course towards Cathay's future.
