Cathay is celebrating its 80^th birthday with a short film created by Leo Hong Kong and directed by legendary Hong Kong director David Tsui. The global film, The Journey Home, is inspired by the stories of its passengers and the milestones Cathay has shared with them over the past eight decades.

The story is emotive first and foremost. A relatable story about the mother-daughter bond. It follows a daughter who parts ways with her mother in Hong Kong to chase her dreams and study abroad – tracing the highs, lows and shared memories that are an inevitable part of her journey. Ultimately, being apart makes the bond between mother and daughter tighter – an insight that inspires the film’s tagline, “What takes us further, brings us closer together”, while symbolising the relationship Cathay has with its passengers as well.

“As Cathay marks its 80th anniversary, it is a moment to reflect on the role the brand has played in people’s lives across generations. For eight decades, Cathay has connected people to what matters most – family, friends, opportunities, and aspirations – supporting them through every stage of their life journey. This milestone is also a tribute to Hong Kong and its people, whose spirit and history are inseparable from Cathay’s own legacy,” stated Edward Bell, general manager brand, insights and marketing communications at Cathay.

Tsui worked closely with agency Leo Hong Kong, along with a team of archivists and engineers at Cathay, to ensure every detail was meticulously recreated – from retro boarding passes to iconic Cathay uniforms and the airline’s famous ‘lettuce leaf sandwich’ livery, which adorned its aircraft from the ‘70s to the ‘90s. The film is also peppered with ‘easter eggs’, designed to be unearthed by locals and aviation enthusiasts around the world. These include Hong Kong’s most popular plane-spotting locations, and the film’s anthem, inspired by an instrumental piece written by Barry White that featured in Cathay advertisements in the 1970s and ‘80s. Even the last line in the film, the PA announcement that says, “Welcome to our home, Hong Kong” was inspired by an overwhelmingly discussed topic on social media about how emotional Hong Kongers feel when they hear this on Cathay flights – and know they’ve truly returned home.

“This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create a short film that aims to celebrate the ups and downs Cathay has shared with its passengers throughout eight decades. The film is quiet and contemplative – an invitation to reflect on all the journeys that people take in their lives. We want to stir up something inside our viewers and remind them that the most meaningful journeys are the ones that bring you closer to the moments and people who matter most to you,” stated Christopher Lee, chief creative officer at Leo Hong Kong.

Tsui added “As a child, I vividly remember hearing the sound of aircraft flying low over Kowloon. I would always try to guess which airline it was – a memory that’s now captured in this film. I’ve been directing for 40 years, and I’ve always believed that the most powerful stories are the ones that feel lived-in. This one does. It’s not just about Cathay history, it’s about Hong Kong’s emotional memory. About how what takes us further can also bring us closer. This film is my thank-you letter to Cathay, the city, and to the enduring love between parents and children.”

The film is part of a year-long calendar of activations and events to celebrate its anniversary. Earlier this year, it unveiled Cathay Pacific aircraft livery inspired by its much-loved ‘lettuce leaf sandwich’ branding, which also adorned Hong Kong’s trams. It has launched a curated collection of merchandise inspired by different eras in Cathay’s storied history. Throughout 2026, Cathay’s cabin crew will wear vintage uniforms – including designs by Balmain, Hermès, Nina Ricci and Hong Kong couturier Eddie Lau – bringing the evolution of the brand to life in true Cathay fashion.

Credits:
Client: Cathay
General Manager, Brand, Insights and Marketing Communications: Edward Bell
Head of Marketing Communications: Vivian Chan
Marketing Manager, Global: Anthony Wu
Assistant Marketing Managers, Global: Maria Ng & Jessica Siu
Marketing Specialist, Global: Simba Leung

Creative Agency: Leo Hong Kong
CEO, Publicis Groupe Hong Kong: Tom Kao
Chief Creative Officer, Leo Hong Kong: Christopher Lee
Global Executive Creative Director, Leo Hong Kong: Joao Braga
Executive Creative Director, Leo Hong Kong: Halo Cheng
Head of Art, Leo Hong Kong: Stratos Efstathiou 
Creative Directors, Leo Hong Kong: Soenar Santoso, Helen Yuen & Wai Wong                       
Associate Creatives Director, Leo Hong Kong: Sam Wong
Senior Copywriter, Leo Hong Kong: Ethan Chu & Abbie Chan
Copywriter, Leo Hong Kong: Bernice Chin
Head of Creative Service, Leo Hong Kong: Pelie Kwok
Managing Director, Leo Hong Kong: Rhys Taylor
Managing Partner, Leo Hong Kong: Dennis Yeung
Director of Client Services, Leo Hong Kong: Kenneth Poon
Senior Account Director, Leo Hong Kong: Kale Ng
Associate Account Director, Leo Hong Kong: Holie Ko
Senior Account Manager, Leo Hong Kong: Stephanie Chu
Strategy Director, Leo Hong Kong: Garron Chiu

Production Company: Moviola Productions Limited
Director: David Tsui
Producers: Christine Ip, Isa Wai
Director of Photography: Alan Yap
Assistant Director: Ng Ka Ching, Tiffany
1st Camera Assistant: Leung Chun Sing

Editor: Ball Lai
Producer: Racheal Wong
Colourist: Chan Kwok Choi
Online & AI editor: Alan Chan
Sound Mix: Ken Chan

Music Company: Drum Music
Composer: Eddie Chung
Producer: Winnie Chan
Music Arrangement: Marco Iannelli