Aviation History
As a Special Administrative Region of China operating under 'one country, two systems,' Hong Kong maintains its own civil aviation authority and air services agreements distinct from mainland China's CAAC framework. Its aviation identity was built around Cathay Pacific Airways, founded in 1946, and the legendary Kai Tak Airport with its dramatic Kowloon approach, before Hong Kong International Airport opened at Chek Lap Kok in 1998. Cathay Pacific — alongside carriers such as HK Express, Hong Kong Airlines, and cargo specialist Air Hong Kong — anchors a hub economy that has weathered SARS (2003), the 2019 protests, and COVID-19-era border closures.
Cathay Pacific Airways was founded in Hong Kong by Roy Farrell and Sydney de Kantzow, beginning what would become the territory's flagship carrier.
The Swire conglomerate (John Swire & Sons) acquired a major shareholding in Cathay Pacific, a relationship that has anchored the airline's ownership ever since.
Hong Kong Dragon Airlines (Dragonair, later Cathay Dragon) launched to serve mainland China and regional routes, complementing Cathay Pacific's long-haul network.
A new airport at Chek Lap Kok opened, replacing the famously challenging Kai Tak Airport and its Kowloon approach as Hong Kong's main gateway.
The SARS epidemic, centered partly in Hong Kong, caused a severe short-term collapse in regional air travel demand.
Pandemic border restrictions devastated Hong Kong aviation; Cathay Dragon ceased operations and Cathay Pacific received a large Hong Kong government-backed recapitalization to survive.
Cathay Pacific · Hong Kong Airlines · HK Express · Air Hong Kong · Cathay Dragon (defunct 2020) · Greater Bay Airlines
Wikipedia, Cathay Pacific corporate history, Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department