Cathay has launched its 80th anniversary celebrations, marking eight decades of moving its home city of Hong Kong, people and global customers forward since 1946.
80 years of flying
Ushering in this milestone year, Cathay will be hosting a series of special events, initiatives and activations throughout 2026, all anchored by the unifying theme of ’80 Years Together’.
To begin its ’80 Years Together’ celebrations, Cathay unveiled a special aircraft livery on one of its long-haul Airbus A350 passenger aircraft at a launch event on Jan. 6. The aircraft was 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 from the airline’s earlier liveries.
A second ‘lettuce leaf sandwich’ livery on one of Cathay’s Boeing 747 freighters will also be revealed as part of the anniversary celebrations.
Standing with the people of Hong Kong
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.
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.”
Vintage uniforms from across the years
Cathay’s cabin crew are also 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 in true Cathay fashion.
Customers can also look forward to a thoughtfully curated collection of merchandise inspired by the special liveries and iconic designs from different eras in Cathay’s history. The collection reimagines these elements across aviation, travel and everyday lifestyle essentials.
Throughout the year, Cathay will be announcing more events and activities to celebrate to coincide with the exact 80th anniversary date, Sep. 24.
If you’ve taken a flight with Cathay on their special ‘lettuce leaf sandwich’ style livery and uniforms, let us know in the comments!
