A special aircraft livery unveiling pays tribute to Cathay’s enduring legacy while heralding a new chapter ahead
January 7, 2026 -- Stepping into 2026, Cathay is excited to officially launch its 80th anniversary celebrations, marking eight decades of moving its home city, people and global customers forward since 1946. To usher in this milestone year and honour its legacy of bringing people together, Cathay will be hosting a series of special events, initiatives and activations throughout 2026 — all anchored by the unifying theme of “80 Years Together”.
Cathay officially kicked off its “80 Years Together” anniversary celebrations at a special event, hosted by Cathay Group Chief Executive Officer Ronald Lam (fifth from right), Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Lavinia Lau (fifth from left), Chief Operations and Service Delivery Officer Alex McGowan (fourth from left), and Chief Financial Officer Rebecca Sharpe (fourth from right).
As a prelude to its “80 Years Together” celebrations, Cathay was delighted to unveil a special aircraft livery on one of its long-haul Airbus A350 passenger aircraft at a launch event today. Adorned with the airline’s iconic “lettuce leaf sandwich” design as well as the 80th anniversary year mark, the livery pays homage to the much-loved green-and-white striped paint scheme, echoing Cathay’s storied legacy while symbolising its continued growth and progress. A second “lettuce leaf sandwich” livery on one of Cathay’s Boeing 747 freighters will also be revealed in the coming weeks.
Cathay will be hosting a series of special events, initiatives and activations throughout 2026 for its 80th anniversary, all anchored by the unifying theme of “80 Years Together”.
The iconic “lettuce leaf sandwich” livery on one of Cathay’s Airbus A350 passenger aircraft pays homage to the much-loved green-and-white striped paint scheme. A second “lettuce leaf sandwich” livery on one of…
In brief
Cathay has begun its 80th anniversary program, themed “80 Years Together,” with events and initiatives planned across 2026. The launch included the unveiling of a heritage-inspired design on an Airbus A350 passenger aircraft, featuring the airline’s green-and-white striped look and anniversary mark. Cathay says a similar design will appear on a Boeing 747 freighter in the coming weeks. The company also plans to have cabin crew and ground employees wear vintage uniforms during the year and to introduce merchandise inspired by past designs. Chief Executive Officer Ronald Lam said Cathay’s history is closely connected with Hong Kong and highlighted investment of well over HK$100 billion in areas including aircraft, cabins, lounges and digital innovation.
Key takeaways
- Cathay’s year-long 80th anniversary celebrations carry the theme “80 Years Together.”
- A heritage-style livery has been revealed on an Airbus A350; a Boeing 747 freighter version is planned.
- Vintage uniforms and a collection of aviation, travel and lifestyle merchandise are part of the celebrations.
- Ronald Lam cited planned investment of well over HK$100 billion in fleet, cabin products, lounges and digital innovation.
Speaking at the event, Cathay Group Chief Executive Officer Ronald Lam said: “Today marks not just an important milestone for Cathay, but a celebration of our ‘80 Years Together’ with Hong Kong. Guided by our purpose to move people forward in life, Cathay and Hong Kong have grown together over the past eight decades, supporting each other through thick and thin. 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.
“Looking ahead, through our investment of well over HK$100 billion into our fleet, cabin products, lounges and digital innovation, Cathay will continue to elevate the customer experience as we strive towards our refreshed vision to become our customers’ most loved service brand. At the same time, we remain steadfast in our commitment to strengthening Hong Kong’s status as a leading international aviation hub.
“With the continued support and encouragement of our people, customers and partners, I am confident that Cathay, as an iconic Hong Kong brand, will soar to even greater heights in the years to come.”
Cabin crew donning Cathay Pacific’s vintage uniforms through various design eras also made a special appearance, paying tribute to the generations of people who have defined the signature Cathay service in the skies. Throughout 2026, around 1,000 to 2,000 of Cathay’s cabin crew and ground employees will wear and showcase these vintage uniforms at work, bringing the evolution of the Cathay brand to life in true Cathay fashion.
Throughout 2026, around 1,000 to 2,000 of Cathay’s cabin crew and ground employees will wear and showcase the airline’s vintage uniforms at work.
A thoughtfully curated collection of merchandise reimagining iconic designs from different eras in Cathay’s storied history will be launched progressively.
In addition, customers can look forward to a thoughtfully curated collection of merchandise inspired by the special liveries and iconic designs from different eras in Cathay’s storied history. The collection reimagines these elements across aviation, travel and everyday lifestyle essentials.
As the brand embarks on this milestone year, Cathay will be announcing many more exciting happenings and initiatives throughout 2026. For more information on the “80 Years Together” celebrations, please visit www.cathaypacific.com.
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Questions around this news
What is Cathay’s “80 Years Together” celebration?
It is a year-long anniversary program marking Cathay’s eight decades of operations since 1946. The release says events, initiatives and activations will take place throughout 2026 under the theme “80 Years Together.” Plans mentioned include anniversary aircraft liveries, vintage uniforms worn by employees, and merchandise inspired by designs from the airline’s history.
Which aircraft will feature anniversary liveries?
The first anniversary livery was unveiled on a long-haul Airbus A350 passenger aircraft. The design includes the airline’s green-and-white striped scheme and an 80th-anniversary mark. Cathay also plans to reveal a second version on one of its Boeing 747 freighters in the coming weeks, according to the release.
What is an aircraft livery?
An aircraft livery is the paint scheme and visual decoration on an airplane’s exterior. It can display an airline’s colors, name, symbols or a special design. Liveries help identify aircraft and may be used to mark an event, recognize a partnership or present a distinctive appearance.
What is an international aviation hub?
An international aviation hub is an airport or city that serves as a major point for air travel between countries. It typically connects passengers or cargo through routes to multiple destinations. A hub can support transfers as well as travel that begins or ends in the surrounding region.
Earlier from Cathay
- A record-breaking celebration of innovation and talent at the 8th annual Cathay Hackathon
- Cathay transforms the Kai Tak Sports Park West Bridge taking visitors on an immersive journey through time
- Cathay’s Discovery Flight 2025 takes 180 first-time flyers on an inspiring journey over Hong Kong
- Cathay and Hong Kong Disneyland Resort join hands to enhance in-bound tourism offerings
- Cathay opens a new IT office in Qianhai, Shenzhen
