Quantcast

Cathay Pacific evolves liveries over decades reflecting changing aviation trends

Airlines begin canceling flights, offering rebooking ahead of Hurricane Helene
Southwest Airlines to cut service and staffing in Atlanta to slash costs
Explore Japan for free? Japan Airlines offers free domestic flights to foreign travelers
Delta named Official Airline Partner of Birmingham City Football Club
American Airlines to Cut These Routes to Las Vegas, Orlando, and More — Here's Why
Alaska Airlines completes acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, expanding benefits and choice for travelers
Southwest wouldn't really start charging for bags — right?
JD Power ranked this Midwest airport as the best among largest airports in North America
Alaska Airlines Chief Plans More Routes After a Deal With Hawaiian
Air Canada could begin suspending flights soon as strike deadline nears
JetBlue's new ticket policy entitles every passenger to a carry-on bag
Why United Airlines’ CEO makes as few decisions as possible
American invests in the future of aviation maintenance with new jobs, additional work
DOT probe seeks to determine if frequent flyer programs are fair to travelers
American Airlines flight diverted after passenger starts vaping
Russian Airline Wants $100 Million From Canada for Seizing Its Giant Cargo Plane
Here's where American Airlines is adding flights to Europe in summer 2025
Major airline grounds Airbus A350 fleet, citing faulty engine component
Airline CEO wants airports to cap passengers at 2 alcoholic drinks to limit on-board disruptions
Regulator cuts Malaysia Airlines' air operator certificate duration after probe
United Airlines flight attendants are prepared to strike. Here's why it's still unlikely.
2 workers killed, 1 injured in tire explosion at a Delta Air Lines shop in Atlanta
Emirates Will Buy 5 Airbus A380s From Lessor For $200 Million
Delta Air Lines named official airline of the WNBA
Pair Of C-Suite Officials Depart Wheels Up
LAX Receives Final Cars for People Mover Train
Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines merger clears Justice Department hurdle, now faces DOT
Alaska Airlines flight attendants reject new contract, union says there's 'more work to do'
Elliott Investment To Push For 10 New Boardroom Directors At Southwest Airlines
Alaska Air Backs JetZero Blended-Wing Design
Cathay Pacific evolves liveries over decades reflecting changing aviation trends
Policy
Webp messenger creation acbfb401 9320 4843 aa1c 94cbe5500d4a
Cathay Pacific | Official Website

Cathay Pacific, the flag carrier of Hong Kong, has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1946 by Roy C Farrell and Sydney H de Kantzow. Over nearly eight decades, the airline's livery has undergone numerous transformations, reflecting changes in design trends and company branding.

The airline's original livery was gray, white, and red. This scheme was distinct from the green that Cathay Pacific is known for today. The early aircraft featured "Cathay Pacific Airways" painted across their fuselage with varying color schemes.

In 1959, Cathay Pacific acquired Hong Kong Airways and expanded its fleet with Lockheed Electra aircraft featuring a new green and white livery. This marked the beginning of Cathay's association with green as a signature color. By 1962, the airline entered the jet age with Convair 880s and transitioned to an all-jet fleet by 1968.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

During the 1970s, Cathay's network expanded significantly. The airline introduced Boeing 747 Jumbos into its fleet while maintaining a simple livery with a lightish green cheatline along the fuselage.

The 1980s brought economic growth to Asia, benefiting airlines like Cathay Pacific. The decade saw further expansion of routes to cities such as London and San Francisco.

In the early 1990s, amid economic challenges in Asia, Cathay rebranded itself with a new livery featuring an Asian "brushstroke" or "brushwing" image introduced in 1994. This modernized look became iconic for the airline.

By 2015, Cathay modified this livery again while retaining key elements like the brushwing logo on the tail. Today’s design includes updated brushing techniques and simplified colors: Cathay Pacific green, gray, and white.

Cathay's current fleet includes various Airbus models (A321s, A330s) and Boeing aircraft (747s for cargo), totaling around 179 planes. While no immediate plans exist for another redesign of its livery, industry trends suggest future changes are inevitable as fashion standards evolve within aviation.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Delta Air Lines is expanding its flight offerings for the 2025 pro football season, introducing new routes and increasing capacity to accommodate fans traveling to major games.

Jun 6, 2025

Last month, over 130 volunteers from Delta Air Lines and several partner organizations collaborated to construct a new playground in College Park, Georgia.

Jun 6, 2025

Walking together on Omaha Beach, 19-year-old college student Caleb Walker and 101-year-old WWII veteran Jack Myers reflected on the sacrifices made during the D-Day invasion.

Jun 6, 2025

British Airways is the leading foreign long-haul airline serving the United States.

Jun 5, 2025

United Airlines has completed a deal with the Chicago Department of Aviation to acquire five additional gates at Chicago O'Hare International Airport.

Jun 5, 2025

Boeing has reached a production milestone, achieving a monthly output of 38 737 MAX aircraft for the first time since 2020.

Jun 5, 2025