HONG KONG- Cathay Pacific (CX) unveiled a retro aircraft livery to commemorate its 80th anniversary, bringing back one of the most recognizable paint schemes in commercial aviation history. The airline revealed the revival as part of a broader celebration reflecting eight decades of global operations and brand evolution.
The announcement coincided with the return to service of a specially painted Airbus A350-900, which entered commercial operations this week from Hong Kong International Airport (HKG). The heritage design has already drawn attention from aviation enthusiasts and passengers alike.
Cathay Pacific New Retro Livery
Cathay Pacific confirmed that two aircraft will wear the revived “lettuce leaf sandwich” livery during its anniversary year.
The Airbus A350-900, registered as B-LRJ, officially entered service on January 6, 2026, operating scheduled passenger flights across the airline’s international network.
A second aircraft, a Cathay Pacific Cargo Boeing 747-8 freighter, is scheduled to join the fleet in the same retro design later in January. The cargo aircraft is expected to debut the livery around January 24, extending the anniversary theme beyond passenger operations.
The airline also indicated that a third special livery is planned, although details regarding the aircraft type and design have not yet been disclosed.
This phased rollout enables the carrier to showcase its heritage across multiple fleet segments, according to OMAAT.
Iconic Livery History
The “lettuce leaf sandwich” livery dates back to the 1970s and remained in use until the early 1990s. It featured alternating green and white striping on the tail, creating a layered appearance that became synonymous with Cathay Pacific’s long-haul expansion era.
During this period, the airline introduced widebody aircraft such as the Lockheed L-1011 TriStar and early Boeing 747 variants. These jets helped establish Cathay Pacific as a major international carrier connecting Asia with Europe, North America, and Australia.
In the 1990s, the airline transitioned to the brushwing logo and jade-green palette to reflect its Hong Kong identity and modern ambitions.
While newer liveries emphasized global branding, the older design retained a strong emotional connection for many long-time observers.
Fleet And Operations
The decision to apply the heritage livery to modern aircraft highlights Cathay Pacific’s operational transformation over the decades.
The A350-900 represents the airline’s current-generation long-haul strategy, offering improved fuel efficiency and passenger comfort.
The inclusion of a Boeing 747-8 freighter underscores the continued importance of cargo operations within Cathay Pacific’s business model. Cargo flights remain a key contributor to network resilience and global connectivity.
By blending historical branding with advanced aircraft, the airline positions its anniversary as both a reflection on the past and a statement of future intent.
Bottom Line
Cathay Pacific’s decision to revive the “lettuce leaf sandwich” livery celebrates a defining chapter in its aviation history.
The return of this iconic design on modern aircraft marks 80 years of growth while reaffirming the airline’s enduring global presence.
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