Will Cathay Pacific's A350 Sport its Historic "Lettuce Leaf" Livery for 80th Anniversary?

December 28, 2025 at 12:30 AM•3 min read

Cathay Pacific is reportedly reviving its iconic "Lettuce Leaf" historic livery on an Airbus A350-900 to kick off its 80th-anniversary celebrations in 2026.

Key Points

1Cathay Pacific is reviving its "Lettuce Leaf" historic livery on an Airbus A350-900 for its 80th anniversary in 2026, according to leaked photos from the Xiamen HAECO facility.
2The iconic green-and-white scheme, used from 1971 to 1994, will be applied to a modern widebody jet, symbolizing a link between the airline's legacy and its future fleet.
3The 80th-anniversary celebration includes major passenger experience upgrades, such as a new A330 regional business class and the opening of a new flagship lounge at New York JFK.
4This retro-livery strategy leverages nostalgia marketing to boost the Hong Kong flag carrier's brand and promote tourism.

Aviation enthusiasts are buzzing over leaked images. These photos suggest Cathay Pacific is preparing a major nostalgic tribute. The Hong Kong flag carrier is approaching its 80th anniversary in 2026. To mark the milestone, the airline appears to be reviving one of its most beloved historic liveries.

The "Lettuce Leaf" Livery Returns

Recent photos show an Airbus A350-900 jet being repainted. The aircraft was spotted at the HAECO maintenance facility in Xiamen, China. This facility is operated by a Swire sibling company. The new paint scheme is the classic green-and-white design.

This iconic look is widely known as the "Lettuce Leaf" or "Lettuce Sandwich" livery. It was a signature feature of the Cathay Pacific fleet for over two decades. The scheme was used from 1971 until 1994. It features bold Brunswick Green stripes running horizontally along the predominantly white fuselage. The tail also displays the older logo with its classic white horizontal bands. The aircraft also features a large '80' decal near the nose. This clearly signals the 80th anniversary celebration.

The Aircraft and Its Significance

The aircraft receiving the special paint job is an Airbus A350-900. This is one of the most modern and efficient widebody jets in the fleet. Applying a historic livery to a new-generation aircraft is a growing trend. It bridges the airline's past legacy with its technological future. The choice of the "Lettuce Leaf" scheme evokes strong nostalgia. It reminds many of the golden age of Asian aviation. This era included the famous, now-closed, Kai Tak Airport.

Broader Anniversary Plans and Industry Impact

The retro-livery is just one part of Cathay Pacific’s major plans for 2026. The airline was founded in September 1946 by Roy Farrell and Syd de Kantzow. The 80th year promises significant developments for passengers.

Key planned enhancements include:

New Regional Business Class: A new A330 regional business class is set to debut. This will offer fully lie-flat beds, replacing older recliner seats. The goal is a consistent premium experience across the fleet.
Lounge Network Expansion: Two new or renovated flagship lounges are planned. This includes the airline's first-ever dedicated lounge at New York JFK Terminal 6. The Wing First Class lounge in Hong Kong is also scheduled for a significant renovation.

This kind of nostalgia marketing is a powerful tool. It creates an emotional connection with travelers. The retro jet acts as a mobile ambassador for Hong Kong's rich history. Such initiatives are vital for the global travel industry. They help drive tourism recovery in key markets. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) continues to monitor these industry trends. The move by Cathay Pacific follows similar successful retro-livery campaigns by other global carriers like Emirates. This news is part of the latest commercial aviation news from around the world [flying.flights].