Cathay Pacific feeling creative at 80

It’s looking good for an 80-year-old.

Cathay Pacific’s inaugural flight was from Sydney to Hong Kong shortly after its founding in 1946. Former war pilots Roy Farrell and Sydney de Kantzow had seen the need to fly goods from Australia to Shanghai in postwar China. They relocated to Hong Kong and founded the company, first flying a Douglas DC-3 nicknamed Betsy.

So it is fitting that Cathay’s 80th anniversary edition aircraft The Spirit of Hong Kong called at Sydney on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.

Its livery is a collaboration between Cathay and the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority.

They jointly unveiled The Spirit of Hong Kong in March 2026, and a Cathay spokesperson says it underscores their shared commitment to supporting local cultural creativity and elevating the city’s arts and culture on the global stage.

The art livery combines WestK’s (West Kowloon’s) “Where Art Comes Alive” brand with Cathay’s commitment to elevated customer experiences under its “Move Beyond” ethos.

It shows both parties’ long-term commitment to advancing the development of Hong Kong’s arts, culture and creative industries.

Cathay Group chief executive officer Ronald Lam says: “For eight decades, Cathay has grown alongside Hong Kong. As we mark 80 Years Together with our home city, we are honouring our heritage with the return of our classic ‘lettuce leaf sandwich’ livery on our Airbus A350 and Boeing 747 aircraft, while also embracing the future with a vibrant modern art livery on our Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.

“In partnership with WKCDA and through the Spirit of Hong Kong livery, we aim to support outstanding local artistic creativity and showcase the unique culture and spirit of Hong Kong to audiences around the world.

“Through our investment of well over $18 billion ($HK100b) into our fleet, cabin products, lounges and digital innovation, we will continue to win hearts and strengthen Hong Kong’s status as a leading international aviation hub — moving our city, customers and team forward together.”

About WestK

WestK is an ambitious cultural hub, spanning 40ha alongside Victoria Harbour.

It comprises a mix of arts and cultural facilities, including world-class museums M+ and the Hong Kong Palace Museum.

There are performing arts venues like the Xiqu Centre and Freespace.

The Art Park covers 11ha.

WestK hosts more than 1000 exhibitions, performances, programs and events, and welcomes more than 10 million visitors each year.