Cathay Pacific celebrates 40 years of flights between Italy and Hong Kong in Rome
Double celebration for Cathay Pacific which, with an exclusive event at Rome Fiumicino Airport, celebrated the company's 80th anniversary and 40th anniversary of the first direct connection between Italy and Hong Kong. An anniversary that marks an important milestone in the carrier's development strategy in the European market and, in particular, in Italy.
The protagonist of the event was a long-haul Airbus A350 with the special celebratory livery "lettuce leaf sandwich", a contemporary reinterpretation of the historic green and white design that has accompanied the company's visual identity for decades. A symbol that combines tradition and innovation, telling the story of Cathay Pacific's evolution over time.
The link between Italy and Hong Kong has its roots in April 1986, when the company's first direct flight to Asia departed from Rome. Today, forty years later, this route remains central to Cathay Pacific's long-haul network.
More flights and passenger services
The operating offer reflects this positive dynamic. The direct connection between Rome and Hong Kong is active in the summer season with four weekly flights (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday), operated with Airbus A350-900, among the most modern and efficient aircraft in the fleet.
On board, the travel experience is distinguished by:
- Business Class with lie-flat seats,
- Premium Economy with more space and comfort,
- Ergonomic and functional Economy Class,
- advanced entertainment system and free Wi-Fi,
- Attentive catering service.
At the same time, Milan Malpensa strengthens its role in connections with Asia thanks to daily flights to Hong Kong. The new Business Class Aria Suite also makes its debut on this route, currently available on some weekly frequencies and destined to be progressively extended.
For Aeroporti di Roma, the strengthening of Cathay Pacific's operations represents an important step in the development of intercontinental connectivity.
The increase in frequencies helps to consolidate Rome Fiumicino's role as a strategic European hub towards Asia-Pacific, intercepting growing demand and expanding travel opportunities for leisure and business passengers.
During the event, the company also celebrated its history through people: crew members wore vintage uniforms from different eras, paying homage to the evolution of Cathay Pacific service and style. An initiative that will continue throughout 2026, involving over 2,000 crew and ground staff.
