Hong Kong's flagship carrier Cathay Pacific is celebrating a remarkable milestone—80 years of connecting the world—with exciting anniversary events and renewed confidence in its strategic partnerships.

In a heartening announcement on Tuesday, Cathay Group CEO Ronald Lam Siu-por assured stakeholders and aviation enthusiasts that the relationship with Air China remains rock-solid, even as the mainland carrier makes what Lam described as a "tactical" adjustment to its investment portfolio. Air China's recent sale of a 1.6 percent stake in Cathay Pacific for HK$1.32 billion represents a normal business decision rather than any weakening of ties between the aviation partners.

"I believe and understand that this is only tactical. Air China will remain our long-term strategic shareholder. That is for sure," Lam said confidently during the anniversary event unveiling, emphasizing the enduring nature of this important partnership.

The transaction actually demonstrates the strength of both airlines' positions. Air China earned a healthy profit of 182 million yuan from the share sale while maintaining a substantial 27.11 percent stake in Cathay Pacific—a clear signal of continued commitment to the Hong Kong carrier's future success.

This enduring partnership represents much more than just financial investment. It symbolizes the deep aviation ties between Hong Kong and mainland China, supporting seamless connectivity for millions of passengers and contributing to the region's economic vitality. With Air China remaining firmly invested as a major shareholder, travelers can look forward to continued cooperation on routes, services, and innovations that benefit both airlines' customers.

The announcement comes at a particularly exciting time for Cathay Pacific, as the airline prepares to celebrate eight decades of aviation excellence. The carrier has marked this special occasion with eye-catching tributes to its heritage, including a stunning Airbus A350 aircraft painted in the beloved retro "Lettuce Leaf Sandwich" livery—the classic green and white color scheme that longtime fans remember fondly. The aircraft proudly displays a large "80" marking, serving as a flying billboard for this momentous anniversary.

Since its founding in 1946, Cathay Pacific has grown from humble beginnings into one of the world's most respected airlines, known for exceptional service, safety, and innovation. The 80th anniversary celebration honors not just the company's past achievements but also its bright future as a cornerstone of Hong Kong's identity and economic success.

For aviation industry observers, the reaffirmation of the Air China partnership during this milestone year sends an optimistic signal about regional aviation cooperation. As travel continues to rebound and grow across Asia, strategic partnerships like this one ensure that both carriers can offer passengers enhanced connectivity, better services, and more opportunities to explore the world.

The festivities planned for Cathay Pacific's 80th anniversary promise to engage aviation enthusiasts, loyal customers, and the Hong Kong community in celebrating this remarkable journey. As the airline looks ahead to its next chapter, it does so with strong partnerships, proud traditions, and exciting possibilities on the horizon.