note
Airline was founded by Australian businessman Syd de Kantzow and american Roy Farrell as air charter operator. Cathay begun cargo operations with DC-3 between Shanghai and Sydney. In 1959 it bought its first turboprop, Lockheed L-188 Electra and the same year after takeover of Hong Kong Airways it acquired their Vickers Viscounts. In 1962 first jet, Convair CV-880 was delivered. Since 1975, Cathay has chosen as mainstay of its fleet widebody Lockheed L-1011 Tristars. Since 1980, Cathay has expanded its route network to Europe and hence the need for Boeing 747 arouse. The two types were the only airplanes operated by Cathay in the 1980's. Since Airbus introduced its 330/340 line and Boeing its 777, Cathay began to renew its fleet with those models.
Airline has been owned by British Consortium Swire for most of its existence. HAECO (H.K. Maintenance Co.) has also significant interest in the airline. Until 1998 Kai Tak airport in Hong Kong has been the base of Cathay, but since then, airline has moved to newly opened Chep Lap Kok Airport on artificial island off the coast of Hong Kong. It operates flights to Europe, Middle East, U.S.,Canada, Australia ,New Zealand, South Africa and all major destinations in the Far East. After reunification with mainland China in 1997, Cathay remained independent although the registration prefix on all its airplanes has been changed from VR-H to B-H.
founded - demised (age)
September 24 1946 - present (79years)
headquarters
Swire House, Hong Kong
web
base airports
related operators
current /stored fleet (179)
