Cathay Launches ‘80 Years Together’ Celebrations with Retro Livery, Vintage Uniforms and Heritage Merch

Cathay has officially kicked off its “80 Years Together” anniversary celebrations, marking 80 years since the airline first took to the skies in 1946 and began connecting Hong Kong with the world. Throughout 2026, the iconic Hong Kong carrier will celebrate this milestone with a year-long programme of events and experiences that honour its role in moving people forward in life – from students and business travellers to families and cargo customers.​

A Heritage Livery Returns to the Skies

As a curtain-raiser to the anniversary year, Cathay has unveiled a special heritage livery on one of its long‑haul Airbus A350-900 aircraft at Hong Kong International Airport. The jet now sports the classic “lettuce leaf sandwich” green‑and‑white striping along the fuselage, paired with a bold 80th anniversary year mark, echoing the beloved paint scheme seen on the airline’s jets from the 1970s through the early 1990s. A second aircraft, a Boeing 747 freighter, will soon join the fleet in matching retro colours, extending the tribute from passengers in the cabin to freight customers in the cargo hold.​

Celebrating 80 Years with Hong Kong

Speaking at the launch event, Cathay Group Chief Executive Officer Ronald Lam described the anniversary as a shared milestone for both Cathay and Hong Kong, reflecting eight decades of growing together “through thick and thin.” From Kai Tak to Chek Lap Kok, the airline has played a central role in the city’s story: flying students overseas, enabling global business, reuniting families and transporting vital supplies during critical moments. Lam also highlighted Cathay’s long-term investment of well over HK$100 billion in fleet, cabin products, lounges and digital innovation to support its vision of becoming its customers’ most loved service brand and to reinforce Hong Kong’s status as a leading international aviation hub.​

Vintage Uniforms Bring History to Life

The 80th anniversary celebrations extend beyond aircraft paint to the people who represent Cathay every day. At the launch, cabin crew appeared in vintage uniforms from multiple design eras, paying tribute to the generations of front-line staff who have defined the airline’s signature service style. Throughout 2026, around 1,000 to 2,000 cabin crew and ground employees will rotate through these historic uniforms at work, turning flights and airport touchpoints into a living timeline of Cathay’s evolving brand.​

Heritage-Inspired Merchandise for Fans

A thoughtfully curated collection of anniversary merchandise is also on the way, giving aviation enthusiasts and loyal customers the chance to take a piece of Cathay history home. The range draws on classic liveries and iconic design cues from across eight decades, reimagining them on aviation collectibles, travel accessories and everyday lifestyle items such as tote bags, model aircraft, aviation tags and premium collaborations. Many of these limited-edition pieces will be available through Cathay’s online channels and loyalty platforms, making them accessible to fans worldwide.​

Looking Ahead: A New Chapter After 80 Years

While “80 Years Together” leans heavily into nostalgia, the campaign is also a statement of intent about Cathay’s future. Alongside heritage liveries and retro uniforms, the airline is continuing to roll out upgraded lounges, refreshed cabins and digital enhancements designed to deliver a more seamless and personalised travel experience. Throughout 2026, Cathay has promised further announcements, events and activations that will celebrate its legacy while charting the next chapter for one of Asia’s most recognisable aviation brands.​