Cathay Pacific has kicked off a landmark year of celebrations marking eight decades in the skies, and Australian travellers flying through Hong Kong are in for a treat throughout 2026.
The iconic Hong Kong airline, long a favourite gateway carrier for Australians heading to Asia, Europe and beyond, officially launched its ’80 Years Together’ anniversary program on January 6th with a star-studded event that included the unveiling of a stunning heritage aircraft livery and the return of iconic vintage crew uniforms.
The Lettuce Leaf Sandwich is Back
Aviation enthusiasts and frequent flyers will immediately recognise the reborn colour scheme now gracing one of Cathay’s long-haul Airbus A350s. The airline’s beloved “lettuce leaf sandwich” livery, the distinctive green-and-white striped paint scheme that defined Cathay’s look for decades has been brought back as a centrepiece of the 80th anniversary celebrations, complete with the anniversary year mark.
A second “lettuce leaf sandwich” livery is also set to appear on one of the airline’s Boeing 747 freighters in the coming weeks, meaning sharp-eyed spotters at Hong Kong International Airport will have two of these beauties to look out for.
Uniforms Through the Ages
Adding a cinematic touch to the celebrations, cabin crew wearing vintage Cathay Pacific uniforms spanning multiple design eras made a special appearance at the launch event, a genuine nod to the generations of staff who have shaped the signature Cathay in-flight experience.
It won’t be a one-night-only affair, either. Throughout 2026, somewhere between 1,000 and 2,000 Cathay cabin crew and ground employees will wear these heritage uniforms at work, meaning passengers flying with the airline this year have a real chance of experiencing a little living aviation history.
What it Means for Australian Travellers
Cathay Pacific remains one of the most important airlines for Australian international travel, connecting Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth to Hong Kong and on to more than 100 destinations across Asia, Europe and North America. The airline’s hub at Hong Kong International Airport is a major transit point for Australians heading everywhere from London to Tokyo.
Speaking at the launch, Cathay Group CEO Ronald Lam underscored the airline’s ambitions beyond the anniversary year, pointing to an investment of well over HK$100 billion into new fleet, upgraded cabin products, lounge improvements and digital innovation. For travellers, that signals ongoing improvements to the experience in the air and on the ground.
Merchandise and More to Come
Cathay is also rolling out a curated merchandise collection inspired by the heritage liveries and iconic designs from across its 80-year history, reimagining these elements as aviation keepsakes, travel accessories and lifestyle products. Details will be released progressively throughout the year.
The airline has promised further announcements across 2026 as the “80 Years Together” program unfolds, covering special events, passenger initiatives and brand moments across key markets including Australia.
For travellers planning international trips this year, booking a Cathay Pacific flight means the chance to be part of a genuinely historic anniversary. Visit cathaypacific.com for current fares and more information on the 80th anniversary celebrations.
Source: Cathay Pacific press release, January 6th 2026