Cathay Pacific

Cathay Pacific

Founded in 1946 by Roy Farrell and Sydney de Kantzow, Cathay Pacific began as a Hong Kong-based cargo airline with one DC-3 plane named "Betsy". It rapidly evolved into a leading international carrier, with a major partnership with Swire group beginning in 1948. The airline pioneered routes to Japan, introduced jets in the 1960s, and expanded to become a premier global airline based in Hong Kong. 

Key Historical Milestones

• 1946: Founded on September 24 in Hong Kong by former war-time pilots.
• 1948: Swire becomes a key shareholder, cementing a partnership.
• 1959: Acquired Hong Kong Airways, expanding its network to Japan and Australia.
• 1962-1967: Entered the "jet age" with Convair 880s, becoming an all-jet fleet by 1967.
• 1979: Acquired its first Boeing 747, allowing expansion into Europe.
• 1998: Moved to Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) and operated the "Polar One" flight, the first non-stop flight to New York.
• 1999: Joined the oneworld alliance
  
  as a founding member.
• 2006: Celebrated 60th anniversary and introduced a new, updated corporate identity.
• 2010s: Continued fleet modernization with Airbus A350s and Airbus A321neos.
• 2026: Marks its 80th anniversary. 

Key Historical Facts

• Founders: Roy Farrell (American) and Sydney de Kantzow (Australian).
• Name Meaning: "Cathay" is the ancient name for China, and the founders wanted to fly to China, but not directly to the US (Pacific).
• Key Partners: Swire Pacific Limited is the major shareholder (43.39%), followed by Air China Limited (28.91%).
• Initial Aircraft: Douglas DC-3 "Betsy". 

Fleet EvolutionThe airline transitioned from its first Douglas DC-3 in 1946 to a fully jet-powered fleet by 1967 with the Convair 880. Over the following decades, it added the Lockheed TriStar, Boeing 747, and later, the Boeing 777. The fleet currently includes Airbus A330s, A350s, and A321neos.