A Nostalgic Flight Over Iconic Landmarks

This year’s thrilling finale of the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Rugby Sevens brought a wave of nostalgia as Cathay Airlines celebrated a breathtaking fly-past at the historic Kai Tak—once the heart of Hong Kong’s air travel. This year marked not only Kai Tak’s 100th anniversary but also the inaugural hosting of the Rugby Sevens at the stunning Kai Tak Sports Park.

The Legendary Kai Tak Approach

Kai Tak International Airport was notorious among pilots for its daring 47-degree turn at just 700 feet, maneuvering through a narrow corridor flanked by towering skyscrapers. This unique approach created unforgettable moments captured by aviation enthusiasts until the airport’s closure in 1998, solidifying its place in aviation history.

Honoring History with Flight CX8100

On Sunday, March 30th, flight CX8100 took off from Hong Kong International Airport at 4 PM, making a majestic journey past bustling areas like Central, Wan Chai, and North Point, before gliding over the iconic Victoria Harbour. This display not only honored the centenary of Kai Tak but also rekindled fond memories of Cathay Pacific's legendary routes.

Collaborative Efforts for a Memorable Experience

In collaboration with the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, Cathay Airlines established a temporary restricted airspace around Victoria Harbour to safely execute this spectacular flight demonstration. The event was meticulously planned to create an unforgettable experience for both sports fans and aviation lovers.

Capturing the Moment

Publicis Groupe Hong Kong was enlisted to capture this momentous event, assembling a team of photographers whose past images of Kai Tak landings still evoke awe today. Their stunning visuals and live-streamed footage of the fly-past have since been shared worldwide across Cathay’s social media platforms.

Behind the Scenes of an Extraordinary Event

Cathay has also released a captivating short documentary that takes viewers behind the scenes of the planning and execution that made Flight CX8100’s soaring return to Kai Tak possible. This ambitious venture aimed to engrave the excitement of the Rugby Sevens into the memory of all who witnessed it.

A Flight to Remember

As the skies filled with the spirit of adventure once again, Cathay Pacific is not just recalling the past; it’s marking a new chapter for Hong Kong's aviation history while celebrating the joy of rugby. This extraordinary event is sure to resonate with fans for years to come.