Cathay Pacific marked a nostalgic milestone this week as its Airbus A350 aircraft, dressed in the airline’s iconic green-and-white “lettuce leaf sandwich” livery, touched down at Singapore Changi Airport for the very first time. The arrival forms part of Cathay’s “80 Years Together” anniversary celebrations, honouring eight decades of shared history between the airline and Singapore.

Old School Vibes

A DC-3 at Kallang Airport, where Cathay Pacific first operated flights to Singapore. This was later replaced by the DC-4 in 1949. Photo from 1948. (Photo: Swire Archives)

The retro livery, inspired by Cathay’s early aircraft designs, pays tribute to the airline’s origins while symbolising its continued evolution as a global carrier. Its debut in Singapore highlights the city’s enduring importance to Cathay’s network and legacy in Southeast Asia.

“Singapore has been part of Cathay’s journey from the very beginning, starting with our first scheduled flight in 1946, and it continues to be one of our most important markets in Southeast Asia,” said Frosti Lau, Cathay Regional General Manager for Southeast Asia and Oceania.

“The special livery honours Cathay’s legacy while symbolising our continued progress to connecting the world via our Hong Kong hub. It bridges where we’ve been and where we’re headed and is a tribute to everyone who has been part of this 80-year journey.”

Important Sector

Cathay’s relationship with Singapore has been marked by several aviation milestones. When Changi International Airport opened in 1981, Cathay’s CX712 became the first commercially scheduled flight to depart.

In 2015, the airline was recognised as one of 12 pioneer airlines that contributed to the development of Singapore’s air hub. Cathay also made history as the launch airline for Changi Airport’s Terminal 4, introducing advanced self-service technology to enhance the passenger experience.

Following its arrival, the special livery aircraft proceeded to Terminal 4, where it was welcomed by Cathay representatives and invited guests. The Airbus A350 will continue operating on international routes throughout 2026, extending the reach of Cathay’s anniversary celebrations to destinations around the world.