Cathay has officially launched its 80th anniversary celebrations, marking eight decades of connecting Hong Kong with the world since its founding in 1946. Entering 2026 under the unifying theme “80 Years Together,” the airline will roll out a series of commemorative events, initiatives and brand activations throughout the year to honour its heritage while looking ahead to the future.

The milestone celebrations began with the unveiling of a special aircraft livery on one of Cathay’s long-haul Airbus A350 passenger aircraft. Featuring the airline’s iconic green-and-white “lettuce leaf sandwich” design alongside an 80th anniversary emblem, the livery pays tribute to Cathay’s visual legacy while symbolising continued progress. A second commemorative livery, to be applied to a Boeing 747 freighter, is set to be revealed in the coming weeks.

Flying High In 2026

Speaking at the launch, Cathay Group Chief Executive Officer Ronald Lam highlighted the airline’s deep connection with its home city. Over the past eight decades, Cathay has played a central role in Hong Kong’s development as a global aviation hub, supporting travel for education, business, family reunions and essential cargo operations through pivotal moments in the city’s history.

Looking forward, Lam reaffirmed Cathay’s commitment to the future through planned investments of more than HK$100 billion across its fleet, cabin products, lounges and digital innovation. These efforts support the airline’s refreshed vision to become one of the world’s most loved service brands while reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as a leading international gateway.

Merchandise And More

Adding a nostalgic touch to the celebrations, Cathay cabin crew appeared at the launch event wearing vintage uniforms from different eras of the airline’s history. Throughout 2026, between 1,000 and 2,000 cabin crew and ground staff will don these archival designs at work, bringing Cathay’s evolving brand story to life for customers and the public.

Customers can also look forward to a curated anniversary merchandise collection inspired by Cathay’s iconic liveries and design elements over the decades. Highlights include collaborative pieces such as a Cathay x Glenfarclas single malt Scotch whisky and a Cathay x Breitling Avenger Automatic GMT 44 timepiece.

As Cathay embarks on its milestone year, more anniversary initiatives and experiences will be announced throughout 2026, celebrating the journeys, people and partnerships that have defined 80 Years Together.