Recap | Hong Kong aviation milestones, from Concorde, Dragonair vs Cathay to the first ever night flight
Revisit key moments in Hong Kong’s evolution to becoming Asia’s major global aviation hub, from Concorde’s 1976 debut and Cathay Pacific’s first Boeing 747 to the first night flights, and more
Discover some the pivotal moments from the South China Morning Post archives covering Hong Kong’s aviation history, from Concorde’s supersonic debut in 1976 to the arrival of Cathay Pacific’s first Boeing 747.
Explore landmark events such as Cathay Pacific’s first night flight, the fierce rivalry sparked by Dragonair’s launch and the rise, and rapid fall, of Oasis Hong Kong Airlines.
1. When Concorde first landed in Hong Kong in 1976 it brought Imelda Marcos on a shopping trip
In November 1976, Concorde made its historic first landing in Hong Kong, marking the dawn of supersonic travel in Asia. Thousands descended on Kai Tak Airport to witness the iconic jet’s arrival from the Philippines which took a mere 51 minutes, or, as the was reported, the same time it took the ferry to reach Hong Kong from Cheung Chau.
2. When Hong Kong’s first night flight took off from Kai Tak to write a new chapter in the city’s civil aviation history
A Cathay Pacific Airways DC-3 took off at 8.30pm on July 18, 1959, in a landmark event that marked Hong Kong’s first ever night flight. The short 20-minute trip carrying newsmen and assembled special guests was made possible by Kai Tak Airport’s new runway lighting system.
3. Cathay Pacific’s first Boeing 747 lands in Hong Kong, bringing the era of the jumbo jet to the city
Cathay Pacific’s first Boeing 747 landed in Hong Kong in 1979 and marked a significant milestone for the airline and for the city as an aviation hub. It’s arrival, which was welcomed by governor Sir Murray MacLehose and a military band, marked the end of a fierce selection process of airlines vying for Cathay’s business.
4. Hong Kong’s second airline Dragonair’s 1985 take-off sparked a rivalry with Cathay Pacific
Hong Kong’s aviation landscape shifted with the launch of Dragonair, a new airline backed by prominent local and Chinese investors. This move sparked a fierce battle with Cathay Pacific, which ultimately led to the acquisition of Dragonair in 1990.
5. Oasis Hong Kong Airlines took off with a bold promise of cheaper flights but landed with a bump just 18-months later
Oasis Hong Kong Airlines launched in 2005 aiming to offer cheaper flights to European destinations but struggled with operational issues and regulatory hurdles. After just 18 months, Oasis filed for liquidation, leaving thousands of passengers and staff in uncertainty.
Part of this article was produced with the assistance of generative AI
