Cathay Pacific Turns 80: A Retro Celebration Touches Down in Australia

Airbus A350

A Vintage Arrival at Sydney Airport

Cathay Pacific’s 80th anniversary celebrations officially took flight in Australia on 14 January 2026, when a specially painted Airbus A350 arrived at Sydney Airport. Aviation enthusiasts and travellers alike were treated to a rare sight as the aircraft appeared in Cathay’s iconic retro livery, a design that evokes the airline’s formative decades and enduring connection to Australia.

Sydney is the first Australian city, and one of the first destinations globally, to welcome this commemorative aircraft. The visit marks the beginning of a year-long celebration honouring one of the world’s most respected premium airlines.

The Return of the Iconic ‘Lettuce Leaf Sandwich’ Livery

The retro aircraft proudly wears Cathay Pacific’s legendary “lettuce leaf sandwich” paint scheme, first introduced in the early 1970s and used until the mid-1990s. The design features alternating dark green and white vertical lines along the fuselage, earning its memorable nickname by resembling lettuce layered between slices of bread.

For many travellers, this livery represents a golden era of international aviation, when flying was an occasion and airline branding was instantly recognisable. Seeing this historic design return to Australian skies has sparked nostalgia among long-time passengers and aviation fans.

Cabin Crew Uniforms Through the Decades

The anniversary celebrations extend well beyond the aircraft exterior. Throughout 2026, thousands of Cathay Pacific cabin crew will don vintage uniform designs inspired by different eras of the airline’s history. These uniforms reflect the evolving style and elegance of Cathay over eight decades, adding a unique sense of heritage to the onboard experience for passengers flying across the network.

This thoughtful attention to detail reinforces Cathay’s reputation for blending tradition with contemporary luxury.

Sydney and Cathay Pacific: A Shared Aviation History

Airbus A350

Cathay Pacific’s connection with Australia runs deep. One of the airline’s co-founders, Sydney de Kantzow, was an Australian former wartime pilot whose vision helped establish Cathay in 1946. The airline’s very first commercial flight carried cargo from Australia to China, laying the foundation for a relationship that continues to thrive today.

Passenger services between Cathay Pacific and Sydney began in October 1974, meaning the airline has been connecting Australia with Hong Kong and the world for more than half a century. This shared history makes Sydney a fitting location for the start of Cathay’s 80th anniversary celebrations in Australia.

From a Single Plane to a Global Premium Airline

Cathay Pacific’s journey began humbly with one aircraft, a Douglas DC-3 affectionately named Betsy. From those modest beginnings, the airline has grown into a world-leading premium travel brand. Today, Cathay Pacific serves around 100 destinations worldwide and is consistently recognised for excellence in service, cabin design and overall passenger experience.

The retro aircraft that visited Sydney has now returned to Hong Kong and is scheduled to continue its anniversary journey with a stop in Brisbane, further extending the celebrations across Australia.

A Milestone Worth Celebrating

Cathay Pacific’s 80th anniversary is more than a celebration of longevity. It is a tribute to innovation, international connection and a commitment to quality that has defined the airline for generations. The retro livery visit to Sydney Airport stands as a powerful reminder of how far Cathay has come, while also looking ahead to its future in global travel.

For more information about Cathay Pacific, flight schedules and anniversary updates, visit:
www.cathaypacific.com

For more travel inspiration read the daily online "The Holiday and Travel Magazine" https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/