Cathay and West Kowloon Cultural District Authority unveil Spirit of Hong Kong aircraft livery celebrating the city’s cultural creativity
(IN SHORT) Cathay and the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority have unveiled the Spirit of Hong Kong – 80th Anniversary Edition aircraft livery, celebrating Hong Kong’s cultural creativity while marking Cathay’s 80th anniversary. The artwork, created by Hong Kong multimedia artist Victor Wong, is displayed on a Cathay Pacific Boeing 777-300ER and reflects the partnership’s aim to promote the city’s arts and culture internationally. The collaboration builds on Cathay’s role as WestK’s Travel Partner since 2023, supporting the district’s exhibitions and cultural programmes. The aircraft serves as a flying canvas showcasing Hong Kong’s creative identity across Cathay’s global network. The unveiling ceremony at Hong Kong International Airport also featured a reimagined version of Cathay’s Song of Cathay, performed by musician Patrick Lui, which will appear on selected flights starting in mid-2026. The initiative highlights the shared commitment of Cathay and WestK to strengthening Hong Kong’s position as an international cultural hub.
(PRESS RELEASE) HONG KONG, 2026-Mar-9 — /Travel PR News/ — Cathay and the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority (WKCDA) have unveiled a new aircraft livery titled Spirit of Hong Kong – 80th Anniversary Edition, celebrating Hong Kong’s cultural creativity and marking a milestone collaboration between two of the city’s prominent institutions. The design highlights their shared commitment to promoting Hong Kong’s arts and cultural identity on a global stage.
The unveiling ceremony took place at Hong Kong International Airport and was attended by senior representatives from both organisations, including Bernard Chan, Chairman of the Board of WKCDA; Ronald Lam, Chief Executive Officer of the Cathay Group; Betty Fung, Chief Executive Officer of WKCDA; Lavinia Lau, Cathay’s Chief Customer and Commercial Officer; and Joyce Ho, Deputy Chief Executive Officer for Corporate Development at WKCDA. Other guests included Steven Yiu, Executive Director of Airport Operations at Airport Authority Hong Kong, and host and artist Do Do Cheng.
The partnership builds on Cathay’s role as WestK’s official Travel Partner since 2023. Through this collaboration, the airline has supported the cultural district’s exhibitions, performing arts programmes, and events by providing passenger and cargo services. The newly unveiled aircraft livery coincides with Cathay’s 80th anniversary and reflects a shared ambition to support local artistic creativity while presenting Hong Kong’s cultural achievements to a global audience.
Bernard Chan noted that WestK continues to expand its partnerships as part of its strategy to strengthen Hong Kong’s position as an international cultural hub connecting East and West. The launch of the Spirit of Hong Kong livery represents a joint effort to showcase the city’s artistic talent and cultural vitality to travellers around the world.
Ronald Lam said the initiative reflects Cathay’s long-standing connection with Hong Kong. As the airline celebrates eight decades alongside the city, it is combining elements of its heritage with new creative initiatives. While traditional designs such as the classic “lettuce leaf sandwich” livery are returning to certain aircraft, the new art-focused design reflects a forward-looking approach that highlights Hong Kong’s creative energy.
The Spirit of Hong Kong livery is displayed on a Cathay Pacific Boeing 777-300ER and draws inspiration from the airline’s Gallery in the Skies concept featured in its Business class cabins. The exterior artwork was created by Hong Kong multimedia artist Victor Wong, who used digital technology to generate visual landscapes based on geographic data.
By transforming the aircraft into a travelling canvas, the project aims to bring Hong Kong’s creative culture to audiences across Cathay’s international network. The design incorporates both Cathay’s 80 Years Together anniversary emblem and the WestK logo, symbolising the partnership’s shared vision of promoting the city’s arts and culture globally.
Following the unveiling ceremony, the aircraft entered service with its inaugural flight. Passengers on board were welcomed with a cultural-themed experience that included a newly reimagined version of Cathay’s sonic branding piece, Song of Cathay. The music was arranged and performed by Hong Kong pianist, composer and producer Patrick Lui, blending elements of modern jazz with the airline’s signature melody.
The updated version of Song of Cathay, jointly presented by Cathay and WestK, will be introduced on selected Cathay Pacific passenger flights starting in mid-2026.
The West Kowloon Cultural District is one of the world’s largest cultural developments and a major cultural tourism destination in Hong Kong. Located along Victoria Harbour, the 40-hectare district includes major institutions such as the M+ museum and the Hong Kong Palace Museum, as well as performance venues including the Xiqu Centre and Freespace.
The district also features the Art Park, an extensive waterfront green space, and the future WestK Performing Arts Centre. Each year, WestK hosts more than 1,000 exhibitions, performances and cultural programmes, attracting over 10 million visitors and contributing to Hong Kong’s role as a global centre for cultural exchange.
About the West Kowloon Cultural District (WestK)
WestK is one of the largest and most ambitious cultural hubs in the world and Hong Kong’s new cultural tourism landmark, spanning 40 hectares alongside Victoria Harbour. WestK comprises a mix of landmark arts and cultural facilities, including world-class museums M+ and the Hong Kong Palace Museum, intricately designed performing arts venues the Xiqu Centre and Freespace, the 11-hectare Art Park with a waterfront promenade, and the upcoming WestK Performing Arts Centre.
Hosting over 1,000 exhibitions, performances, programmes, and events each year, WestK provides a vital platform for both emerging and established artists. WestK welcomes more than 10 million visitors each year, evolving as the international cultural brand of Hong Kong and strengthening the city’s strategic role as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange.
About Cathay
Cathay is a premium travel lifestyle brand that brings together all that we love about travel with everyday lifestyle. The range of products and services includes flights, holidays, shopping, dining, wellness and payment. All our travel lifestyle offerings are designed to bring customers exciting offers, rewards, experiences and hand-picked partners.
Flights are provided by Cathay Pacific, the home airline of Hong Kong and a founding member of the one world global alliance. The Cathay Group also comprises low-cost carrier HK Express, express all-cargo carrier Air Hong Kong and various subsidiaries. We are a member of the Swire Group and are listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKSE) as a public company.
For eight decades, Cathay Pacific has been connecting our home city of Hong Kong to the world. Now we’re bringing that connection to more of our customers’ lives. The new era of Cathay elevates their every bite, tap, step, stay and flight to greater heights. www.cathay.com
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SOURCE: Cathay Pacific Airways Limited
