Cathay welcomes the return of the Lettuce Leaf Sandwich

Cathay Pacific (Cathay) is marking 80 years of operations by launching its “80 Years Together” campaign which includes two aircraft wearing a special retro livery showcasing the iconic ‘lettuce leaf sandwich livery’.

The first aircraft to wear it is a modern Airbus A350 passenger aircraft which has just been unveiled and a second aircraft, a Boeing 747 Freighter will be unveiled in the coming weeks.

Speaking at the event, Cathay Group Chief Executive Officer Ronald Lam said: “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.

“Looking ahead, through our investment of well over HK$100 billion into our fleet, cabin products, lounges and digital innovation, Cathay will continue to elevate the customer experience as we strive towards our refreshed vision to become our customers’ mostloved service brand. At the same time, we remain steadfast in our commitment to strengthening Hong Kong’s status as a leading international aviation hub.

“With the continued support and encouragement of our people, customers and partners, I am confident that Cathay, as an iconic Hong Kong brand, will soar to even greater heights in the years to come.”

The start of the anniversary coincides with Cathay launching a winter sale where customers can get exclusive return fares to bucket list destinations across Asia and Oceania, including the Chinese Mainland, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, Australia and New Zealand starting at just £519 return.

These can be booked directly at https://www.cathaypacific.com/ for travel between the 8th January and the 7th December 2026.

A Brief History of Cathay Pacific

Cathay Pacific was founded in 1946 in Hong Kong by former military pilots Roy Farrell and Sydney de Kantzow, at a time when commercial aviation in Asia was still in its infancy. Operating initially with a single Douglas DC-3, the airline focused on regional routes and cargo, helping to connect post-war Asia with the wider world.

The airline expanded steadily alongside Hong Kong’s rise as an international trading centre. The arrival of jet aircraft in the 1960s enabled Cathay Pacific to launch longer-haul services, while the introduction of the Boeing 747 in the early 1980s marked its emergence as a truly global carrier, linking Hong Kong with Europe, North America and Australia.

Alongside passenger growth, Cathay Pacific developed one of the world’s leading air cargo operations, leveraging Hong Kong’s strategic location and manufacturing links with mainland China.

The airline has faced significant challenges over the decades, including economic downturns and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which severely reduced passenger operations. Despite this, Cathay Pacific restructured and rebuilt, with cargo operations playing a vital role in its survival.

Today, Cathay Pacific operates a modern long-haul fleet and remains Hong Kong’s flagship airline, continuing its focus on premium service, global connectivity and sustainable growth.

Cathay Pacific – Fact Box

• Founded: 1946
• Founders: Roy Farrell and Sydney de Kantzow
• Headquarters: Hong Kong
• Main Hub: Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
• Alliance: oneworld
• Core Markets: Asia-Pacific, Europe, North America, Australia
• Fleet Focus: Widebody aircraft including Airbus A350 and Boeing 777
• Cargo Operations: One of the world’s largest international air cargo carriers
• Slogan: Move Beyond