I've covered quite a few inaugural flights to Seattle over the years. They're always lively, but usually don't have many surprises. Cathay Pacific launched its inaugural flight from Hong Kong (HKG) to Seattle (SEA) on March 30, and they're doing it a little differently, but in a grand way. Not only did I experience the normal excitement of meeting a plane on the tarmac, but I also had a fun surprise at the gate; plus, the airline hosted a huge celebration that night.
The day starts when I wake up and turn on Flight Radar 24 See which plane is in flight. As expected, this is an Airbus A350-900, registration number B-LRJ. Then I noticed this photo: those were vintage uniforms. Bua!
I quickly got some AvGeek goosebumps (yes, that's a thing). The airline calls it the “lettuce sandwich” retro uniform, and it holds a special place in my AvGeek heart. Long before the internet, I remember seeing an L1011 in this livery in one of my aviation books. This is one of my favorites. I've never had the chance to see it in person, so this was my chance. And, it's extra special because it's also the first time this retro livery has been flown to the United States.
As with most inaugurations, media and invited guests met at the terminal and went through employee security screening. We were then escorted to the gate (S12), where there were snacks, interesting speeches in the background, and quite a few passengers who didn’t quite understand what all the fuss was about. Soon enough, neon safety vests were being distributed to the press—when you see these vests, you know good times are about to come!
Next, we were escorted to the ramp and given a brief safety briefing. I could see two airport fire trucks parked there, ready to fire a water cannon salute. Last time I covered the inaugurationI got soaked from the wind, so I positioned myself a little better since it was much colder and wasn't going to be fun.
Soon, Cathay Pacific's stylish A350 retro livery landed, and it was ready for the water cannon. It was perfect timing because the airport was foggy while we were waiting for our flight, but after the water flow was turned off the sun shined through the clouds onto the bright green paint. The green sparkles in the sunlight – so beautiful!
As I took the photo, I also noticed the starboard wingtip passing overhead. I felt like I could almost reach out and touch it (I chose not to try). After people took pictures and selfies on the plane, we were escorted back to the gate to join in the festivities.
Leaders from the Port of Seattle and Cathay Pacific are likely to give standard speeches and cut a ribbon to mark the start of the maiden voyage.
However, there was one special part of the celebration that made me smile: the lion dance. Trying to explain it with a few photos and words doesn't do it justice, So be sure to check out this short 17 second video. The characters even danced among passengers waiting for their flight. That scene was so spectacular!
Soon it was time to wait for the flight to take off. We went to a private viewing spot on the rooftop of the airport and it didn't matter even if the flight was delayed a bit. I had a great time watching all the passenger planes rise and fall. Plus, I got to see Alaska's new 787 in person for the first time (I gotta say it looks pretty snazzy).
Then it was the turn of the lettuce sandwiches, and the A350 exited, lined up on runway 34R, and took off for Hong Kong.
Usually the celebrations end there, but not with Cathay Pacific. they are in Hooley Gardens and Glass Gallery That night at the base of the Space Needle in downtown Seattle. So, after resting for a few hours, I put on my suit and set off.
There was great food, friendly people (about 200 people attended), and fun little touches like getting a custom passport cover or unique candy made in front of you. Events like this remind me more of the days when airlines celebrated the first 787 aircraft than the first flight. It's all very impressive.
The airline will fly five times weekly to Seattle, its ninth U.S. destination. The airline previously flew to Seattle but stopped service in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. They hope to stay in Seattle long-term and won't need a third maiden voyage.
