On 30th August 2006, Cathay Pacific's newest aircraft landed on the hot humid runway of Hong Kong's International Airport - Chek Lap Kok. This historic event marked the arrival of CX's 100th Aircraft, an Airbus A330-300, registered B-LAD - Progress Hong Kong - following its delivery flight from Toulouse.

As her crew shut down her engines a HAEC tractor positioned a small aircraft under her tail. This was the splendidly restored replica of the first post-war entry on Hong Kong's Register of Aircraft - VR-HDA. The registration date was 3rd October 1946, and the owner his Douglas Dakota C47 (DC3) was Cathay Pacific Airways Limited. Her nickname, not shown on the Register, was NIKI. The stairs were positioned and the Company's guest of honour Mr Rafael Hui, Chief Secretary for Administration of the Hong Kong SAR, descended accompanied by Mrs Hui and CX Chief Executive Philip Chen, and several distinguished guests.

They were welcomed by cabin crew and airport staff in vintage uniforms, a group of young "I Can Fly" members, and several dozen press photographers keen to record this moment of aviation history. Also present was Charles Chic Eather, 86, who flew the original NIKI in 1946, the first year of Cathay Pacific's existence. The previous day in Toulouse, Philip Chen accepted the three-class aircraft on the airline's behalf from Airbus Chief Operating Officer-Customers John Leahy. Representing Rolls-Royce, which supplied the Trent 700 engines used on the new aircraft, was Senior Vice President Asia and Middle East Mick Forey. In his speech Philip noted that in 1997, when Hong Kong was returned to China, the airline had 59 aircraft, and now CX was taking delivery of its 100th. ‘This significant growth and investment demonstrates our confidence in our commitment to the future of Hong Kong.' said Philip. In his own address, Mr Hui said the airline's development was ‘a typical Hong Kong success story', and praised CX for thriving through its own efforts.

THE REPLICA NIKI INSTALLED- 21st September 2006 It was decided that a C47, CX's first type of aircraft, suitably displayed at Cathay City, would be a splendid way to mark its 60th Anniversary. BETSY , of course, was the ideal choice; however, she was firmly established in the Transport section of the Hong Kong Museum of Science and Technology. Its Chief Curator, Chee Kuen Yip and his Senior Technical Officer, Chi Kin Wong, would not consider her removal. Their thoughts turned to CX's second aircraft NIKI; however, investigations indicated that in all probabilities she no longer existed. Consequently, in mid September 2005 Engineering Director, Derek Cridland and General Manager Technical, Steve Chadwick began to look for another C47.

This brought Dave Price and Steve Dank into the quest. Steve was conversant with aircraft prospects in the Philippines and Dave who had extensive experience in moving old aircraft. After some minor persuasion Simon Mayes, a CX Senior Maintenance Controller, joined the team. Several companies throughout the world were canvassed for vintage C47s, however, the most promising was CM Aviation based in Manila. There the choice of two suitable C47s was narrowed to RP-C1101. She was built by Douglas at Long Beach, California, for the USAAF as C-47A-30-DL Skytrain 42-23663 in May 1943. This put her in the correct age span as a suitable replacement for the original NIKI.

The restless South China Sea now came into their consideration, should they ship her to Hong Kong or chance flying her there. Although RP-C1101 looked good could she handle the 5 hour flight to Hong Kong? On the eve of the Chinese New Year 2006 Derek Cridland authorized the payment of a deposit and on 1st February 2006 RP-C1101 was earmarked for Cathay. At this point Mark Sutch, CX's Operations Manager and erstwhile CX Manager Philippines, took an active part in the operational and flight planning part of the project. Mark, working closely with the Hong Kong CAD, formed the catalyst that brought the project to fruition under the tight time schedule.

Although the deposit was paid nobody had seen her fly. On 6th February, Dave Price and Steve Danks returned to Manila and before noon were on board RP-C1101 winging their way, for a touch-and-go, at Clark Air Force Base.

The trip satisfied them and they reported she handled well and was mechanically sound. They hastened back to Hong Kong to report that the project was feasible and subsequently the delivery flight was set for 20th February 2006. The ferry crew was Derek Cridland (Engineering Director), Steve Chadwick (General Manager Engineering Technical), Capt. John McCormick (General Manager Flying), and Rob Wales (Manager Maintenance Support).

Delay in departure occurred when several release signatures were needed, finally, they were 8,000 feet above the treacherous South China Sea in a 63 year-old aircraft on the way to CX's birthplace Hong Kong. Four hours and 50 minutes later the replica NIKI emerged from low cloud to land at Chek Lap Kok. They had duplicated the trip that the original NIKI had regularly flown in 1946.

Above Left: 21st September 2006. Engineering Director Derek Cridland and Chief Executive Philip Chen, (left and right respectively of the dedication plaque), surrounded by a superb group of CX luminaries, officially welcome the replica NIKI (Above Right) to her final parking bay - guarding the entrance to Cathay City. (Source: Mark Sutch)

A DAY TO REMEMBER - 22nd September, 2006

This was to be CX's Chief Executive Philip Chen's day of greatness. It began with a luncheon in Hong Kong's Grand Hyatt Hotel hosted by the Aerospace Forum. In the presence of an aviation star-studded gathering, Martin Craigs, the Forum's Chairman introduced Giovanni Bisignani, the effervescent Director General and CEO, of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) who delivered an address on the aviation scene of the present and the probable path that lay ahead of the profession. CX's Chief Executive responded with his assessment of Cathay Pacific's current situation and his aspirations for its future.

Industry Leader Luncheon: L.to R. Martin Craigs, Chairman AFA/Engine Lease Finance Corporation, Liz Bosher, AFA/Landrum & Brown, Capt. Chic Eather AFA Vice-Chairman, Giovanni Bisignani, Director General /CEO IATA, Philip Chen, CE/Cathay Pacific Airways.

ON DIAMOND WINGS .

As the sun dipped towards the horizon 4,000 guests were making their way into the Shatin Racecourse to celebrate CXs 60th Anniversary Gala. Guest of Honour was Donald Tsang, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administration Region. Joining Mr Tsang was a long list of government and aviation industry officials, key business partners, Marco Polo Club and Cargo Clan Elite members, supported by current and former CX and Swire senior managers. The 60 longest-serving CX staff - half of them from out ports - were also invited, as were descendants of the airline's founders, Roy Farrell and Sydney de Kantzow.

The official ceremony began at 7.30pm when Chairman Chris Pratt, with Mr Tsang and Chief Executive Philip Chen in support, made his opening address. This was followed by the famous Iris's Walking on Air uniform fashion Parade (Above Left).

Ten awards were presented to several Marco Polo Club members that had flown 3 million miles with CX. Philip Chen's presentation of the Future Innovations segment was impressive. The entertainment came in the form of music and dance from 10 international groups headed by Frances Yip, Hong Kong singing star, and erstwhile CX employee.

CX's 60th CELEBRATIONS CONTINUE

Korea , Japan, Taipei, and Indonesia caught the 60th fever and celebrated with dignified enthusiasm. However, Manila, Bangkok and Singapore, out ports with stronger historical ties, celebrated on a grander scale.

Manila's celebratory venue was the Hotel Philippine Plaza where 300 government dignitaries, diplomats, transport and trade officials toasted the Company's health and continued prosperity. The next day Philip paid Cathay Pacific's respects to President Arroyo at the Malacanang Palace.

CX Thailand made their party a public one by staging a three-day event in The Emporium, a high-end Bangkok shopping complex. They also used the occasion to celebrate the ATW Airline of the Year award. The guest of honour was Minister of Tourism & Sport Pracha Maleenont.

Singapore , the Lion City, threw a party with heart, with the event doubling as a fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity, which provides shelter for destitute elderly people in Singapore.

Conrad Hotel Ballroom - 6th October 2006

Following a short collage of pictures and video from CXs early years, to the present, Mr Tony Tyler, CX Chief Operating Officer, gave a short address. Then he introduced the Guest of Honour, Mr S. Dhanabalan, patron Habitat for Humanity, and invited him to speak. During the seven-course dinner the Master of Ceremony, Moe Alkaff, entertained the audience with his patter. With dessert and coffee served Moe and Chic - CX Pilot, who flew Cathay Pacific's original NIKI, gave a talk show.

Left Above: Mr Antony Tony Tyler. Right Above: Chic and Moe.

Left: Moving clockwise; Karmjit Singh, SATS, Chief Operating Officer, James Barrington , CX Director Sales & Marketing, Antony Tony Tyler, CX Chief Operating Officer, Moe and Peter Scalberg. Below: Steven, Chic, Tony, and some of the Walking On Air ladies.

Then the mischievous Moe introduced a game that required the participation of four of the tallest men in the audience. He had them sit on pre-arranged chairs. Then he removed the chairs, one at a time, until each victim was supporting the other. Then, with a malicious chuckle, he announced that he had forgotten how to untangle them! The moans and groans from those four splendid men was heart rending. The entire ballroom erupted into roars of approval - I pondered, was I missing something!

When the audience simmered down Moe introduced a table game where guests matched uniforms to large posters. The competition between tables was intense. Then, Iris (AM-Uniform & Grooming Standard), gave an interesting introduction on each of the vintage uniforms. The audience was generous in applause.

Mr Stephen Wong, Country Manager Singapore, launched CXs new innovations with emphasis on the various classes of seating. He delivered his presentation with dignity and charm. The anticipated Auction proved a great success and the bidding was brisk. Moe's novel auctioneer methods prove irresistible and he stretched the winners' to lengths far beyond their intention.

A day that began with a charity golf round at the NSRCC Country Club followed by a fundraising dinner at The Conrad Centennial had fetched more than S$61,000. Mr James Barrington, CX Director Sales & Marketing, presented Mr Dhanabalan for the adopted charity, Habitat for Humanity Singapore, with the cheque.

On Diamond Wings was indeed the aeronautical party of the year. Charles Chic Eather ©