- The airline is embarking on a new chapter in its history and paying tribute to its great track record with special livery for its aircraft.
- Cathay Pacific will organise a series of special events, initiatives and activities throughout 2026 to mark its 80th anniversary, all under the slogan “80 Years Together”.
- The iconic “lettuce leaf sandwich” livery, revived for one of Cathay Pacific’s Airbus A350 passenger aircraft, pays homage to the airline’s popular green and white striped design.
- Throughout 2026, Cathay Pacific cabin crew and ground staff will wear a variety of the airline’s historic uniforms.
- A new collection of carefully selected products will be announced soon, featuring designs that reinterpret the iconic aesthetics of different eras in Cathay Pacific’s history.
Cathay Pacific, the premium airline based in Hong Kong, is kicking off 2026 in a very special way: by kicking off its 80th anniversary celebrations. Eight decades of service and progress for its home city and passengers around the world, since its founding back in 1946.
Throughout the year, the airline will launch various initiatives and special activities under the slogan “80 Years Together” to celebrate its great legacy. In addition, 2026 is also a special year for its connection with Spain, as it marks the 10th anniversary of the launch of its direct route between Madrid and Hong Kong.
Today, Cathay Pacific remains the only airline offering regular, non-stop flights between Madrid and Hong Kong, thus ensuring connections to one of the most important and dynamic regions in Asia-Pacific. In addition, from the start of the next summer season, passengers will be able to enjoy greater convenience with four direct flights a week from Barcelona to Hong Kong, further strengthening the strategic link between Spain and the heart of Asia.
To kick off the celebrations for these “80 years together”, Cathay Pacific has unveiled the special livery that will adorn one of its long-haul Airbus A350 aircraft, which, among other destinations, has already landed in Madrid. The airline wanted to bring back the iconic “lettuce sandwich” design, which pays tribute to the popular green and white stripes that have accompanied Cathay Pacific for so many years, and also features the 80th anniversary logo. In the coming weeks, a second special livery, also featuring the “lettuce sandwich” aesthetic, will be unveiled for one of Cathay Cargo’s Boeing 747s.
During the 80th anniversary launch event, Ronald Lam, CEO of Cathay Group, said: “Today is not only a great day for Cathay, but we are also celebrating “80 years together” with our hometown, Hong Kong. Driven by our goal of helping people get ahead, Cathay and Hong Kong have grown together over the past eight decades, establishing an unbreakable bond. From Kai Tak to Chek Lap Kok, whether it’s to study abroad, do business, explore the world, reunite with family or deliver vital supplies at critical moments, Cathay has always been by the side of the people of Hong Kong through countless journeys and shared memories.”
“Looking ahead, with our investment of over HK$100 billion in our fleet, cabin products, lounges and digital innovation, Cathay will continue to enhance the customer experience as we strive to achieve our vision of becoming the preferred service brand for our passengers. At the same time, we remain firmly committed to strengthening Hong Kong’s position as a leading international aviation hub,” he added.
Finally, Lam also wanted to express his gratitude for everyone’s efforts: ‘With the continued support of our people, our customers and our business partners, I am confident that Cathay, as Hong Kong’s flagship premium brand, will reach even greater heights in the years to come.’
The cabin crew also played a prominent role, wearing different historical Cathay Pacific uniforms from different eras, thus paying tribute to all the generations of professionals who have created the airline’s distinguished in-flight service. Throughout 2026, between 1,000 and 2,000 Cathay Pacific cabin crew and ground staff will wear these vintage uniforms, showcasing the company’s evolution in a unique and distinctive way.
In addition, Cathay Pacific also plans to launch an exclusive collection of products inspired by the iconic aesthetics of different eras in the airline’s history.
Throughout this significant year, Cathay Pacific will announce many more special activities and initiatives to commemorate its “80 Years Together”.
For more information on Cathay Pacific’s 80th anniversary celebrations, visit: www.cathaypacific.com.
About CATHAY PACIFIC
Cathay Pacific is a premium full-service airline based in Hong Kong, with eight decades of history and a founding member of the oneworld global alliance. Cathay also includes the Cathay Cargo freight division, the low-cost airline HK Express and its lifestyle segment. Cathay is a member of the Swire Group and is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKSE). For more information, visit www.cathaypacific.com.
Source: BURSON GLOBAL