Cathay Pacific 'Walking On Air' Show Takes To The Skies

Lunes 3 de julio de 2006 — Cathay Pacific Airways' famed "Walking on Air" show of vintage uniforms really does take to the air from July through September as selected cabin crew and ground staff swap their regular uniform for those from the airline’s past 60 years of serving Hong Kong. About 2,000, or one in three, of the airline’s cabin crew will sport historic uniforms, adding a splash of colour and fun to flights across the network. A similar proportion of ground staff at The Wing and The Pier lounges at Hong Kong International Airport will make the change.

The entire uniform collection will be seen on aircraft aisles through 24 September, the day on which Cathay Pacific was founded in Hong Kong 60 years ago. Nine different uniforms have distinguished the airline’s crew during that time, created by famous-name designers including Hermes, Pierre Balmain, Nina Ricci and Hong Kong’s designer to the stars Eddie Lau.

"Walking up and down the aircraft aisle always felt like you were part of a catwalk fashion show. We felt very gracious," said Cathay Pacific Assistant Manager Uniform & Grooming Standards Iris Lim, who joined the airline as a cabin crew member when the red miniskirt uniform was being worn.

"The miniskirt uniform was so typical of Hong Kong at the time. Later uniforms followed fashions but adopted a more professional look. Our current uniform, though still fashionable, really looks specifically designed for working in an aircraft cabin with its streamlined cut," Iris said.

Cathay Pacific Director Service Delivery Quince Chong said: "Dressing our frontline staff in uniforms from our 60 years of serving Hong Kong will bring back memories for many of our passengers and salute them for their continued support though the years."

Free postcards showing stylish drawings of the vintage uniforms will be available on flights. Passengers can ask a member of the cabin crew for a postcard if they wish to write to a friend.