Over the years, I’ve covered quite a few inaugural flights to Seattle. They boo all the time, but often there aren’t many surprises. When Cathay Pacific took its first flight from Hong Kong (HKG) to Seattle (SEA) on March 30, they did things a little differently. Not only did I experience the usual excitement of going up the ramp to greet the aircraft, but there was also a fun surprise at the gate. Moreover, the airline held a grand gala event later in the evening.
My day started by waking up and opening FlightRadar24 to see which aircraft were flying. As expected, the aircraft was an Airbus A350-900 with registration number B-LRJ. Then I found a photo. It was a retro symbol. Boo!
I quickly got the AvGeek goosebumps (yes, this is a big deal). The airline calls it the “Lettuce Sandwich” retro livery, and it holds a special place in my AvGeek heart. Long before the Internet, I remember seeing the color L1011 in an airline brochure. It was one of my favorites. I never had a chance to see it in person, but now I have the chance. And it was even more special because it was the first time this retro livery had flown to the United States.
As with most inauguration ceremonies, media and invited guests met in the terminal and passed through staff security. We were then guided to the gate (S12). It was a fun backdrop for snacks and speeches, and there were quite a few passengers who didn’t quite know what all the fuss was about. Soon neon safety vests were distributed to the media. When you see that vest, you always know that good times are about to happen!
Next we were taken to the ramp and given a brief safety briefing. Two airport fire trucks were seen parked and ready for a water cannon salute. Last time I covered it, I got drenched in the wind and it was much colder, so I thought it wouldn’t be fun, so I held my position a little longer.
Soon, Cathay Pacific’s stylish A350 retro livery will land and be ready to fire its water cannons. It was perfect timing as it was foggy at the airport while I was waiting for my flight, but just after the trickle stopped, the sun broke through the clouds to hit the bright green paint. The green sparkles in the sunlight. It was really beautiful!
As I was taking pictures, I also noticed that the starboard wing tip was passing upwards. I almost felt like I could reach out to touch it (I decided not to try). After people took pictures and selfies on the aircraft, we were ushered back inside the gate for the festivities.
There were the standard speeches you would expect from leaders of the Port of Seattle and Cathay Pacific, and a ribbon cutting to mark the start of the first flight.
But there was a special part of the celebration that made me smile. It was a lion dance. Trying to explain it with a few pictures and words won’t do it justice, so be sure to check out this short 17s video. Characters even danced among passengers waiting for their flight. It was truly a scene!
Now it’s almost time for the plane to depart. We went to the private observation deck on the rooftop of the airport and it didn’t matter if our flight was slightly delayed. I was having a great time watching all the airliners come and go. Plus, I got to see Alaska’s new 787 in person for the first time (and I must say, it looks great).
Then it was the lettuce sandwich’s turn, and the A350 took off, lining up on runway 34R and taking off for Hong Kong.
This is usually the end of the celebration, but not for Cathay Pacific. They held a glamorous gala the same evening at the Chihuly Garden and Glass at the base of the Space Needle in downtown Seattle. So after a few hours of rest, I put on my suit and headed out.
There was good food, good people (about 200 people in attendance), and a fun little show where you could get a custom passport cover or unique candy made right in front of you. This type of event reminded me more of airlines celebrating their first 787s at the time than of first flights. It was all very impressive.
The airline will fly to Seattle five times a week, making it its ninth U.S. destination. The airline previously flew to Seattle and suspended service in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They hope to stay in Seattle long-term and don’t need a third first flight.
British Airways Club Suites Business Class, London Heathrow-New York JFK
