Second-hand Boeing 707s were only a stop-gap measure, but remained in service for ten years.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing Boeing 707/720 - СШАUSA - 1954

Douglas DC-3 VR-HDB Betsy resplendent in natural metal, with red titling and sporting a Union Jack on the fin. In its former guise as C-47 41-18385 Betsy it was the first aircraft acquired by Roy Farrell who, together with Sydney de Kantzou, flew the aircraft on non-scheduled cargo and passenger flights in South East Asia and Australasia prior to forming Cathay Pacific Airways.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Douglas DC-3 / C-47 Skytrain/С-53 Skytrooper / Dakota - СШАUSA - 1935

Douglas DC-3 VR-HDB Betsy, overflying Hong Kong harbour on September 24,1983, on arrival from Australia. It was originally proposed to exhibit Betsy in the planned Hong Kong Science and Technology museum, however, the building was delayed and for many years the aircraft was stored in a hangar at Kai Так until finally taking up residence in the museum.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Douglas DC-3 / C-47 Skytrain/С-53 Skytrooper / Dakota - СШАUSA - 1935

The ill-fated Douglas C-54A (DC-4) VR-HEV shot down by Chinese MiG-15 fighters near Hainan Island in July 1954.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Douglas DC-4 / C-54 / R5D Skymaster - СШАUSA - 1942

Turning on to ‘finals’ for Kai Tak is Lockheed L-1011 TriStar 100 VR-HHK. The extra growth capacity afforded with the arrival of the TriStar in 1975 enabled Cathay to consolidate its existing routes in South East Asia and to open up new markets. Most of the TriStars were phased out of service during 1995, being superseded by Rolls-Royce powered Boeing 747s and Airbus 340-200s.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Lockheed L-1011 TriStar - СШАUSA - 1970

The first of five Boeing 747-300s was delivered in February 1986.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing Boeing 747 - СШАUSA - 1969

Airbus A340 VR-HMR illustrating the latest colour scheme adopted by Cathay Pacific. The brush wing calligraphy fin logo (repeated on the nose), suggesting the wing of a bird in flight, took three years to develop and is designed to appeal equally to Asian and Western customers. Note the absence of the Union Jack in anticipation of the hand over of Hong Kong to China in 1997.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Airbus A340 - InternationalInternational - 1991

Cathay Pacific has signed for 11 Rolls-Royce Trent powered Boeing 777s and has an option for a further 11. It will receive the first aircraft (VR-HNA), seen here on a pre-delivery flight, within the first quarter of 1996.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing Boeing 777 - СШАUSA - 1994

The Douglas DC-6 was Cathay’s first pressurised aircraft, bought from Panagra in December 1954.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Douglas DC-6 / C-118 Liftmaster - СШАUSA - 1946

Airbus A330-200 VR-HLC is the third of the type to enter service with Cathay Pacific. It is seen here against the unmistakable backdrop of Hong Kong on approach to Kai Tak airport.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Airbus A330 - InternationalInternational - 1992

Delivery of the first Lockheed Electra on April 14, 1959, marked a turning point in the airline’s history, providing it with its first turboprop equipment.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Lockheed Electra L-188 - СШАUSA - 1957

Convair 880M-22M VR-HGG was the last of nine of these medium-range, medium-capacity jets acquired by Cathay Pacific (in June 1970); the first (VR-HFS) went into service on April 8, 1962. Note the Swire Group logo on the fuselage side immediately below the cockpit windows.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Convair CV-880 / CV-990 Coronado - СШАUSA - 1959

Seen here departing London Heathrow in August 1995, is one of Cathay Pacific Cargo’s six Boeing 747-400Fs. Cathay also has a strong interest (75% shareholding) in the all-cargo carrier AHK Air Hong Kong, which operates two Boeing 747s.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing Boeing 747-400 - СШАUSA - 1988