Cathay Pacific Flypast Celebrates Kai Tak Legacy
In a remarkable tribute to Hong Kong’s rich aviation heritage and the start of the renowned Hong Kong Sevens rugby tournament, Cathay Pacific will perform a special flypast over Kai Tak Stadium on March 30, 2025. The event marks the centennial of Hong Kong’s aviation history and highlights the carrier’s deep-rooted connection with its former home at Kai Tak. In a move that blends tradition with modernity, Cathay Pacific has partnered with Hong Kong’s state-of-the-art Kai Tak Sports Park, the new landmark developed on the historic site of the former international airport. With this partnership, the airline has been named the exclusive Founding Travel Partner for the park, further cementing its commitment to celebrating local heritage and connecting with the community.
The flypast will be executed by one of Cathay’s Airbus A350s, carrying the special flight number CX8100. Scheduled to take off from Hong Kong International Airport at around 16:00 local time, the aircraft will embark on a carefully choreographed route that includes passing over the bustling city districts of Central and Wan Chai, before soaring over the newly revitalized Kai Tak Stadium. Following the overflight of the stadium, the jet will continue its journey along North Point and then through the harbor area of downtown Kowloon, offering spectators a breathtaking spectacle and a vivid reminder of the era when aircraft roared over dense residential areas.
Cathay Pacific’s official statement, released on February 24, 2025, lauds the new Kai Tak Sports Park as “the largest integrated sports and entertainment landmark in Hong Kong,” designed to deliver a range of sporting, cultural, and entertainment experiences to a global audience. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to rejuvenate the iconic Kai Tak area, where the legacy of the old airport is celebrated through innovative projects such as the Kai Tak Runway Park. The park preserves elements of the original airfield, including the distinctive yellow and black checkerboard pattern used as a landing guide, allowing locals and visitors alike to connect with the storied past of the region.
The flypast is more than a mere display of aviation prowess; it is an emotional journey back to the days when Kai Tak Airport served as the gateway to Hong Kong. Established in 1925, Kai Tak became synonymous with challenging approaches, where pilots executed steep turns at low altitudes against a backdrop of urban skyscrapers and dense residential quarters. Many Hongkongers remember the airport for its unique blend of drama and technical challenge, and the flypast on March 30 is intended to evoke those cherished memories.
To ensure safety during this historic event, Hong Kong’s Civil Aviation Department will establish a temporary restricted flying zone over Victoria Harbour. This measure will prevent activities such as the flying of drones, kites, and small balloons, thereby guaranteeing a clear and uninterrupted display for spectators. The event, however, will proceed only if weather conditions permit, as the special flight is subject to environmental factors on the day.
In a heartfelt Facebook post, Cathay Pacific reflected on the significance of the occasion, stating, “The thundering roar of the engines, the bustling neighborhood right underneath – these collective memories of Kai Tak shall come alive on March 30, 2025, back where it all began.” With broad support from the Hong Kong government and local communities, the flypast promises to be a momentous celebration that honors a century of aviation excellence while inspiring future generations to appreciate the legacy and evolution of flight in Hong Kong.
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