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Cathay Pacific evolves liveries over decades reflecting changing aviation trends

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Cathay Pacific evolves liveries over decades reflecting changing aviation trends
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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.

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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
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