CATHAY PACIFIC: Anniversary marks 2026 as 80 years in the air

Cathay Pacific has launched its 80th-anniversary celebrations for 2026, marking eight decades since the airline’s founding in 1946. The anniversary program is being rolled out under the theme ’80 Years Together’. The biggest indicator is an aircraft painted in retro livery. The birthday celebrations were formally launched at a Hong Kong event hosted by senior Cathay executives, including Group CEO Ronald Lam, Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Lavinia Lau, and Chief Operations and Service Delivery Officer Alex McGowan.

Heritage livery returns to the skies

Cathay has unveiled a special anniversary livery on one of its long-haul Airbus A350 passenger aircraft, marking the 80-year milestone for travellers. The design revives Cathay’s historic green-and-white striped paint scheme, widely known as the ‘lettuce leaf sandwich’, which featured on the airline’s aircraft in earlier decades. The aircraft also features a dedicated 80th-anniversary emblem, linking the retro design to Cathay’s modern fleet.

Cathay has confirmed a second heritage livery will be applied to a Boeing 747 freighter, extending the anniversary theme to the airline’s cargo operation, which remains a significant part of its business. The choice of the A350 for the passenger livery reflects Cathay’s current long-haul strategy. The A350 is at the centre of routes between Hong Kong, Australia, Europe and North America.

Cathay links its past to Hong Kong’s growth

At the launch event, CEO Ronald Lam said the anniversary represents 80 years of shared history with Hong Kong, emphasising Cathay’s role in the city’s development as an international aviation hub. Lam referenced the airline’s transition from Kai Tak Airport to Hong Kong International Airport at Chek Lap Kok, highlighting Cathay’s continuity through major changes in the city’s aviation landscape.

The airline remains relevant for Australian travellers, as Cathay continues to function as a major one-stop carrier between Australia and global destinations.

A HK$100 billion investment message

Cathay confirmed an investment of more than HK$100 billion across the group’s fleet, cabin products, lounges and digital systems. That investment includes new aircraft deliveries, upgraded in-flight cabins and improved ground facilities.

For Australians, this investment underpins Cathay’s ongoing role as a major long-haul carrier linking cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth with Europe and North America via Hong Kong.

The investment should keep Cathay at the forefront of airline products and service. That’s what it has relied on to maintain its market reputation.

Vintage uniforms and anniversary merchandise

Up to 2,000 cabin crew and ground staff will wear vintage uniforms throughout 2026. Each wil, showcase different design eras from the airline’s history. These uniforms will give passengers a glimpse of Cathay’s design history over the past eight decades.

The airline will also release a heritage-inspired merchandise collection featuring products inspired by Cathay’s past design elements. The merchandise will span aviation-themed items, travel accessories and everyday lifestyle products, and will be released progressively across 2026. Memorabilia collectors, take note.

2PAXfly Takeout

Cathay’s 80th anniversary doesn’t include announcements of new routes or cabin launches. The heritage livery on the A350 is nice, but the scale of Cathay’s confirmed investment means it is still in the premium long-haul game.

Cathay had a very hard time during the height of the pandemic, with much of its fleet parked in the desert outside Alice Springs in Australia. It has returned to the market in a measured way, re-establishing routes slowly but surely

For Australian travellers who regularly fly Cathay via Hong Kong, the anniversary year is a reminder of the airline’s longevity and a test of whether its next chapter reinforces its legacy. For those who have not had a Cathay experience, keep an eye out, as birthday celebrations often mean accompanying fare promotions. Cathay and Hong Kong are worth being on your travel experience list.

It’s been quite a while since I flew with Cathay, certainly before the pandemic. This might be a good excuse to fly with them again.