Travelers passing through Vietnam’s capital this week were treated to a striking blast from aviation history as Cathay Pacific unveiled a special anniversary aircraft in Hanoi. The airline’s retro-themed Airbus A350 made its first appearance at Noi Bai International Airport, bringing a nostalgic design back to life as part of its 80th anniversary celebrations.
The aircraft’s eye-catching green-and-white striped paint scheme nicknamed the “lettuce leaf sandwich”—revives one of the airline’s most recognizable looks from decades past. While the design harks back to earlier eras of air travel, the jet itself is one of Cathay’s most modern long-haul planes, blending heritage with current-day comfort.
Why Vietnam Matters in Cathay’s Story
Cathay’s ties to Vietnam stretch back more than 75 years. The airline first began flying to the country in 1949, connecting Hong Kong with cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hai Phong. Today, that relationship has grown into a major regional presence, with dozens of weekly flights linking Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Cathay’s global hub in Hong Kong.
For travelers, that translates into easier onward connections to more than 100 destinations across Asia, Europe, North America, and beyond making Vietnam an increasingly important gateway in Southeast Asia.
Inaugural Hai Phong Cathay Pacific flight on the DC-3 aircraft in 1949 (Photo Credit: Cathay)
The Hanoi arrival is just one piece of a broader anniversary campaign. Alongside the A350, Cathay has introduced other commemorative aircraft, including a specially painted Boeing 747-8 freighter and a Boeing 777-300ER featuring an art-inspired “Spirit of Hong Kong” theme.
Passengers flying in 2026 may also notice another nostalgic touch: cabin crew wearing vintage uniforms from different decades, offering a visual timeline of how the airline’s style has evolved over the years.
What Travelers Can Expect
The retro-liveried A350 won’t stay in one place, it’s scheduled to rotate across international routes throughout the year. That means travelers flying through Cathay’s network could unexpectedly find themselves onboard a piece of aviation history.
For aviation enthusiasts and frequent flyers alike, it’s a rare chance to experience a modern aircraft wrapped in a design that once defined the golden age of air travel while still enjoying the latest in onboard technology and comfort.