Nostalgia Takes Flight in Hong Kong

In a spectacular salute to the past, Cathay Pacific celebrated the closing day of the 2023 Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Rugby Sevens with a breathtaking low-altitude fly-past over Kai Tak, the historic site of Hong Kong's former international airport. This remarkable event paid homage to the airport's centennial and the very first Sevens tournament held at the newly inaugurated Kai Tak Sports Park.

Iconic Approach, Unforgettable Memories

Famed for its notoriously challenging 47-degree right-hand turn at just 700 feet, Kai Tak was a rite of passage for pilots and photographers alike, until its closure in 1998. Edward Bell, Cathay's General Manager of Brand, Insights and Marketing Communications, remarked, "Everyone remembers the tales of Cathay Pacific flights at Kai Tak. We turned that nostalgia into a conversation starter around this year's Sevens, marking a new chapter for the tournament at Kai Tak Sports Park."

Remembering the Place That Captured Our Hearts

On Sunday, March 30, flight CX8100, named in tribute to Kai Tak's 100 years, launched from Hong Kong International Airport at 4 p.m. The flight path mirrored the legendary descent once required for landing, soaring over key locales like Central, Wan Chai, North Point, and the stunning Victoria Harbour.

Safe Skies: A Collaborative Effort

In a remarkable partnership with the Hong Kong SAR Government, Cathay established a temporary restricted airspace over Victoria Harbour, ensuring safety for this unforgettable commemorative flight.

Capturing History: A Visual Tribute

To encapsulate this momentous occasion, Publicis Groupe Hong Kong enlisted elite photographers renowned for their stunning imagery of Kai Tak’s historic landings. The breathtaking photographs and live-streamed footage continue to circulate across Cathay's platforms, sparking excitement and delight.

A Lasting Legacy in Sports and Culture

Christopher Lee, Chief Creative Officer at Publicis Groupe Hong Kong, noted, "Orchestrating a live aircraft performance at Kai Tak was a bold goal, but we meticulously crafted an experience that the audience at this year's Hong Kong Sevens final will cherish for years to come." As the Founding Travel Partner of Kai Tak Sports Park, Cathay's collaboration signifies its enduring commitment to promoting sports, arts, and cultural experiences in Hong Kong, attracting visitors from around the globe.