Cathay has officially launched its 80th anniversary celebrations. The airline will be hosting a series of special events, initiatives and activations throughout 2026, under the unifying theme of “80 years together”.
The airline has unveiled a special aircraft livery on one of its long-haul Airbus A350 passenger aircraft, bearing the airline’s iconic “lettuce leaf sandwich” design together with the 80th anniversary year mark. A second “lettuce leaf sandwich” livery will be revealed int he coming weeks on one of Cathay’s Boeing 747 freighters.
Cathay kicks off 80 years of Together anniversary celebrations Source Cathay
“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.”
Ronald Lam, Cathay Group Chief Executive Officer
Cathay retro uniform showcase at launch of 80th Anniversary celebrations Source Cathay
At the launch event held on 6 January 2026, cabin crew donned the airline’s vintage uniforms through various design eras, paying tribute to generations of people who have defined the signature Cathay service in the skies. Throughout this year, around 1,000 to 2,000 of Cathay’s cabin crew and ground employees will wear and showcase these vintage uniforms at work
We’ve always been fans of Cathay’s merchandise especially their 70s inspired travel bag. There will be new merchandise inspired by the special liveries and iconic designs from different era’s of the airline’s history.
More exciting happenings and initiatives throughout 2026 will be announced at a later date.
