History-making 100th Cathay Pacific aircraft comes face to face with the past

Miércoles 30 de agosto de 2006 — Cathay Pacific Airways welcomed its 100th aircraft, an Airbus A330-300, into the fleet this morning with a ceremony at Hong Kong International Airport to mark its arrival. On board the delivery flight from the Airbus facility in France were The Honourable Rafael Hui, Chief Secretary for Administration of the Hong Kong SAR Government, and Cathay Pacific Chief Executive Philip Chen.

To celebrate this landmark in Cathay Pacific’s continuous expansion, the airline arranged for the delivery party to be welcomed by cabin crew and airport staff in the vintage uniforms that are being worn in celebration of its 60th anniversary this year. Also present were a group of members of the Cathay Pacific “I Can Fly” programme that fosters an aviation interest and a deeper community spirit among young Hong Kong people.

A special moment at the ceremony was when the new Airbus A330-300, named “Progress Hong Kong”, came face to face with a DC3 aircraft that has been turned into a replica of “Niki”, Cathay Pacific’s second aircraft from 1946. The old aircraft has been lovingly restored in the airline’s second livery from the late 1940s and will soon go on display outside the company’s headquarters. Among those present at the ceremony was Captain Charles “Chic” Eather, 86, who piloted the original Niki soon after the airline was founded.

Cathay Pacific Chief Executive Philip Chen said: “This is a very proud moment for Cathay Pacific – and Hong Kong – as we welcome our 100th aircraft into the fleet. Having the ‘New Niki’ here together with our new delivery highlights how, from modest beginnings, we have grown into a world-class carrier. Our 100th aircraft is a symbol of both our recent expansion and also our future growth as we continue to work to develop Hong Kong as a leading international aviation hub.”