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Cathay and the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority (“WKCDA” or the “Authority”) have joined hands to unveil a striking new art-focused aircraft livery, “Spirit of Hong Kong – 80th Anniversary Edition”. This collaboration marks a significant milestone for two of Hong Kong’s most recognised home-grown brands, underscoring their shared commitment to supporting local cultural creativity and elevating the city’s arts and culture on the global stage.
Attending guests unveiled the “Spirit of Hong Kong – 80th Anniversary Edition” aircraft at the apron of the Hong Kong International Airport
Cathay has been WestK’s Travel Partner since 2023, supporting its world-class arts and cultural exhibitions and performing arts programmes through the provision of passenger and cargo services. Coinciding with Cathay’s 80th anniversary this year, the new art livery ingeniously combines WestK’s “Where Art Comes Alive” brand vision with Cathay’s commitment to creating an elevated and meaningful customer experience under its “Move Beyond” ethos, further solidifying both parties' shared long-term commitment to advancing the development of Hong Kong’s arts, culture and creative industries.
An unveiling ceremony for the new livery was held today at Hong Kong International Airport, officiated by Bernard Chan, Chairman of the Board, WKCDA; Ronald Lam, Chief Executive Officer, Cathay Group; Betty Fung, Chief Executive Officer, WKCDA; Lavinia Lau, Chief Customer and Commercial Officer, Cathay; and Joyce Ho, Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Corporate Development), WKCDA. Other distinguished guests include Steven Yiu, Executive Director, Airport Operations of Airport Authority Hong Kong, and renowned host and artist Do Do Cheng, who was the host for the “WestK in the Sky” video collaboration between Cathay and WestK.
Bernard Chan, Chairman of the Board of the WKCDA, said, “As one of the world’s leading cultural arts hubs, WestK has strived to expand its network of partnerships, implementing its dual ‘bringing in’ and ‘going global’ strategies to foster Hong Kong’s development into an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. Since 2023, Cathay has served as WestK’s Travel Partner, supporting our exhibitions, performing arts programmes and cultural events. The launch of the Spirit of Hong Kong livery highlights our shared vision to support Hong Kong’s outstanding artists and creations and to bring Hong Kong’s arts, culture, and creative prowess onto the global stage. Spirit of Hong Kong embodies WestK’s vision of transcending boundaries and connecting the world, inviting travellers from across the globe to immerse themselves in Hong Kong’s profound cultural heritage and boundless creative spirit.”
Ronald Lam, Cathay Group Chief Executive Officer, said, “For eight decades, Cathay has grown alongside Hong Kong. As we mark ‘80 Years Together’ with our home city, we are honouring our heritage with the return of our classic ‘lettuce leaf sandwich’ livery on our Airbus A350 and Boeing 747 aircraft, while also embracing the future with a vibrant modern art livery on our Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.
“In partnership with WKCDA and through ‘The Spirit of Hong Kong’ livery, we aim to support outstanding local artistic creativity and showcase the unique culture and spirit of Hong Kong to audiences around the world. Through our investment of well over HK$100 billion into our fleet, cabin products, lounges and digital innovation, we will continue to win hearts and strengthen Hong Kong’s status as a leading international aviation hub — moving our city, customers and team forward together.”
Showcasing Hong Kong’s creative talent in the skies
Cathay Pacific’s Boeing 777-300ER aircraft adorned with the Spirit of Hong Kong livery is inspired by Cathay Pacific’s award-winning “Gallery in the Skies” concept in its Business class cabins. The livery features an innovative artwork by Hong Kong multimedia artist Victor Wong using technology that allows him to generate landscapes from geographical data he provides. As a centrepiece of Cathay’s 80th anniversary and a platform to showcase WestK’s artistic vision, the new livery transforms the aircraft into a flying canvas that takes people, cultures and ideas forward while bringing fresh inspiration to the city. The livery carries both Cathay's “80 Years Together” anniversary mark and the WestK logo, representing a shared commitment to showcasing the essence of Hong Kong’s arts and culture to destinations around the world.
The Spirit of Hong Kong art livery aircraft entered service following today's unveiling ceremony. Passengers on the inaugural flight immersed themselves in a unique cultural experience upon boarding, including a newly reimagined rendition of Cathay’s sonic branding, Song of Cathay, performed by award-winning Hong Kong pianist, composer, arranger and music producer Patrick Lui. This piece, jointly presented by WestK and Cathay, has incorporated elements of modern jazz, offering travellers a refreshing and culturally rich prelude to their journey. The reimagined Song of Cathay will be available on specific Cathay Pacific passenger flights from mid-2026.
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Notes to Editors
Since forming a three-year partnership in 2023, WKCDA and Cathay have worked closely to champion Hong Kong’s arts and culture on the global stage. As WKCDA’s Travel Partner, Cathay has continuously supported WestK with air transport services, including the shipment of precious objects for exhibitions at the Hong Kong Palace Museum and M+, and facilitating travel for local and overseas artists participating in WestK's exhibitions and performing arts programmes in Hong Kong and abroad. Recent collaborations include Special Exhibitions such as Ancient Egypt Unveiled: Treasures from Egyptian Museums, Zao Wou-Ki: Master Printmaker and WestK’s annual flagship music celebration, Freespace Jazz Fest. In addition, Cathay served as Lead Sponsor for the WestK Shanghai Week in 2025, supporting the first cross-disciplinary showcase of cultural and creative programmes curated or co-organised by WestK outside Hong Kong. This marked a pivotal milestone in implementing WestK’s “going global” strategy to promote Hong Kong’s exclusive arts and cultural programmes.
The partnership took another important step with the debut of the “WestK in the Sky” video series last year on Cathay’s inflight entertainment system. Produced by WestK, the series explores the vibrant tapestry of its exhibitions, performing arts programmes and cultural experiences through vivid and captivating content. Five new episodes of the series will be rolled out progressively from early 2026, exploring the making of for the award-winning original Cantonese musical The Impossible Trial, the Ancient Egypt Unveiled Special Exhibition, the ‘M+ Restored’ film restoration initiative, the M+ Sigg Prize 2025 and the story behind the art collecting journey of Chris Hall, who offered a promised gift to the HKPM: the Chris Hall Collection at the Hong Kong Palace Museum.
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.
Online presence
| Website | https://westk.hk/ |
| @westk.hk | |
| WestK 西九文化區 | |
| YouTube | WestK 西九文化區 |
| @westk | |
西九文化區  |
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| Xiaohongshu | 西九文化區 |
| Douyin | 西九文化區 |
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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“Spirit of Hong Kong – 80th Anniversary Edition” Unveiling Ceremony
Attending guests unveiled the “Spirit of Hong Kong – 80th Anniversary Edition” aircraft at the apron of the Hong Kong International Airport
Second from left to third from right:
• Edward Bell, General Manager, Brand,Insights and Marketing Communications,Cathay
• Steven Yiu, Executive Director, AirportOperations of Airport Authority Hong Kong
• Lavinia Lau, Chief Customer andCommercial Officer, Cathay
• Ronald Lam, Chief Executive Officer,Cathay Group
• Bernard Chan, Chairman of the Board,West Kowloon Cultural District Authority
• Betty Fung, Chief Executive Officer, WestKowloon Cultural District Authority
• Do Do Cheng, Host of “WestK in the Sky”video series
• Joyce Ho, Deputy Chief Executive Officer(Corporate Development), West KowloonCultural District Authority
Image courtesy of Cathay and West Kowloon Cultural District Authority
Officiating guests unveiled the “Spirit of Hong Kong – 80th Anniversary Edition” aircraft at the apron of the Hong Kong International Airport
Second from left to third from right:
• Lavinia Lau, Chief Customer and Commercial Officer, Cathay
• Ronald Lam, Chief Executive Officer, Cathay Group
• Bernard Chan, Chairman of the Board, West Kowloon Cultural District Authority
• Betty Fung, Chief Executive Officer, West Kowloon Cultural District Authority
Image courtesy of Cathay and West Kowloon Cultural District Authority
Officiating guests attended the “Spirit of Hong Kong” unveiling ceremony at the Hong Kong International Airport
Third from left to third from right:
• Lavinia Lau, Chief Customer and Commercial Officer, Cathay
• Ronald Lam, Chief Executive Officer, Cathay Group
• Bernard Chan, Chairman of the Board, West Kowloon Cultural District Authority
• Betty Fung, Chief Executive Officer, West Kowloon Cultural District Authority
Image courtesy of Cathay and West Kowloon Cultural District Authority
Bernard Chan, Chairman of the Board, West Kowloon Cultural District Authority, delivered a speech at the unveiling ceremony of “Spirit of Hong Kong – 80th Anniversary Edition”
Image courtesy of Cathay and West Kowloon Cultural District Authority
Ronald Lam, Chief Executive Officer, Cathay Group, delivered a speech at the unveiling ceremony of “Spirit of Hong Kong – 80th Anniversary Edition”
Image courtesy of Cathay and West Kowloon Cultural District Authority
Lavinia Lau, Chief Customer and Commercial Officer, Cathay, and Betty Fung, Chief Executive Officer, West Kowloon Cultural District Authority, in a moderated discussion hosted by Do Do Cheng at the unveiling ceremony of “Spirit of Hong Kong – 80th Anniversary Edition”
From left to right:
• Lavinia Lau, Chief Customer and Commercial Officer, Cathay
• Do Do Cheng, Host of “WestK in the Sky” video series
• Betty Fung, Chief Executive Officer, West Kowloon Cultural District Authority
Image courtesy of Cathay and West Kowloon Cultural District Authority
Patrick Lui and his band performed a live rendition of the newly reimagined Song of Cathay at the boarding gate of the inaugural passenger flight
Image courtesy of Cathay and West Kowloon Cultural District Authority
“Spirit of Hong Kong – 80th Anniversary Edition” Aircraft Livery
“Spirit of Hong Kong – 80th Anniversary Edition” aircraft
Image courtesy of Cathay and West Kowloon Cultural District Authority
Cathay and West Kowloon Cultural District Authority distributed limited-edition souvenirs to passengers aboard the inaugural flight of the “Spirit of Hong Kong – 80th Anniversary Edition” aircraft
Image courtesy of Cathay and West Kowloon Cultural District Authority
Video of the “Spirit of Hong Kong – 80th Anniversary Edition” Aircraft Livery
“Spirit of Hong Kong – 80th Anniversary Edition” Aircraft Livery video footage
Video courtesy of Cathay and West Kowloon Cultural District Authority