Cathay relives the past at Kai Tak with low-flying plane

To commemorate the 100th anniversary of Kai Tak Airport, a Cathay Pacific A350 will fly near Kai Tak Stadium through Victoria Harbour this Sunday (30 March) on the last day of the Hong Kong Sevens.

Established in 1925, the former Kai Tak airport was located in the heart of Kowloon City, featuring a runway that extended into the sea. Residents could look up and see aircraft flying upon the dense residential buildings. 

Kai Tak Airport closed in 1998 with the opening of Hong Kong International Airport at Chek Lap Kok. The former site has since been redeveloped into a mixed-use area, now home to the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal and KTSP.

“The thundering roar of the engines, the bustling neighbourhood right underneath… These collective memories of Kai Tak shall come alive on 30 March, back in where it all began,” Cathay’s Facebook post reads.

A special CX8100 flight will depart around 4 pm on Sunday, passing over Central, Wan Chai, Kai Tak Stadium, and North Point along the harbour. Cathay added that the flight demonstration is subject to weather conditions.

The initiative has generated likes and discussions among netizens, with Cathay's Facebook post receiving over 2,800 likes, 160 comments, and 420 shares, a check by MARKETING-INTERACTIVE saw. Some said they would witness the flight demonstration, while some said it was a remarkable move that was both sensational and sentimental.

Moreover, the Hong Kong government is also supportive towards the special flight demonstration, saying that this event symbolises the century-long legacy of Hong Kong's aviation history, inviting the public to join in witnessing this momentous and meaningful occasion.

To facilitate the flight demonstration, the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) will establish a temporary restricted flying zone (RFZ) in and around Victoria Harbour. Flying activities, such as the flying of unmanned aircraft systems (drones and model aircraft), kites, captive balloons, mass release of small balloons will be restricted. The CAD will announce details of the temporary RFZ on the electronic portal for small unmanned aircraft "eSUA" and by Notice To Airmen.

MARKETING-INTERACTIVE has reached out to Cathay Pacific for more information. 

Don’t miss: Kai Tak Sports Park taps Cathay as exclusive founding travel partner

Back in February, KTSP tapped Cathay as its exclusive founding travel partner, highlighting the park's ongoing commitment to promoting sports, arts and culture, and mega-events in the city. 

To promote the partnership, Cathay launched a 30-second video titled “Taking off again with Kai Tak” (與啟德再度啟航). The video tells the how Cathay unites people and connects the world, starting from Kai Tak. As Kai Tak transforms from an airport to Hong Kong’s new integrated sports and entertainment hub, Cathay has also evolved from an airline to a premium travel lifestyle brand, all in pursuit of elevated experiences and journeys that connect the home city to the world.

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