Cathay celebrates 80 years with iconic retro livery

In celebration of its 80th anniversary, Cathay will launch a series of initiatives and activations throughout 2026, including the return of its iconic retro "lettuce leaf sandwich" liveries on an Airbus A350.

As part of its anniversary campaign themed "80 years together“, Cathay aims to celebrate its legacy of advancing its home city and connecting people and global customers since 1946.

Cathay has unveiled a special aircraft livery on one of its long-haul Airbus A350 passenger aircraft at a launch event on. Featuring the airline’s iconic “lettuce leaf sandwich” design along with the 80th anniversary year mark, the livery pays homage to the signature green-and-white striped paint scheme, reflecting Cathay’s legacy and symbolising its continued growth and progress. A second ​“lettuce leaf sandwich” livery on one of Cathay’s Boeing 747 freighters will also be revealed in the coming weeks.

Apart from the aircraft, cabin crew donning Cathay Pacific’s vintage uniforms from various design eras will also make special appearances, paying tribute to the generations of people who have defined the signature Cathay service in the skies. Throughout 2026, approximately 1,000 to 2,000 of Cathay’s cabin crew and ground staff will wear and showcase these vintage uniforms at work, bringing the evolution of the Cathay brand to life in true Cathay style.

In addition, a collection of merchandise inspired by the special liveries and iconic designs from different eras in Cathay’s storied history is curated. The collection reimagines these elements across aviation, travel and everyday lifestyle essentials. As part of the anniversary campaign, Cathay will launch a series of events and initiatives throughout 2026.

Looking ahead, Cathay Group chief executive officer Ronald Lam said that Cathay will invest over HK$100 billion in its fleet, cabin products, lounges, and digital innovation to further enhance the customer experience as the airline strives to become its customers’ most loved service brand. At the same time, Cathay remains committed to strengthening Hong Kong’s status as a leading international aviation hub.

“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, he said.

MARKETING-INTERACTIVE has reached out to Cathay Pacific for more information. 

Don’t miss: Cathay invites members to revisit 2025 travels

Recently, Cathay has invited its members to relive the magic of their journeys with “Unpack your 2025” – a personalised digital experience created exclusively for them.

Created in partnership with Leo Hong Kong, each customised experience seeks to remind people of the memories they’ve made throughout the year together with Cathay, creating an annual year-end memento of places visited, distance travelled, Asia Miles earned, as well as dining and shopping experiences enjoyed along the way.

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