Flight attendants don four historic uniforms to pay tribute to the Boeing 747; aviation fans: So nostalgic

▲ A Taiwanese flight attendant who resembles actress 151 Lin Yanjun greets passengers with a sweet smile and introduces the different uniform eras.

Reported and photographed by Chen Hanyin / Hong Kong

Cathay Pacific’s Boeing 747 aircraft officially retired with honor on October 1st！ The last flight, CX543 from Tokyo Haneda to Hong Kong, sold out immediately upon release. To honor the “Queen of the Skies,” which served for 37 years, Cathay Pacific not only held a grand farewell ceremony but also had flight attendants wear four sets of retro uniforms from different eras, making the nostalgic outfits one of the highlights of the flight.

▲ The final Cathay Pacific Boeing 747 flight, CX543, featured cabin crew dressed in historic uniforms as a tribute.

▲ The four beautiful flight attendants are Japanese Ayaka Kitamichi and Yumi Kotake; Taiwanese Yang Yating and Hong Kong’s Lau Shuting. (From left to right)

Since its debut, the Cathay Pacific Boeing 747 has carried over 160 million passengers, flying across Japan, Europe, North America, and soaring the skies of the world. Cathay Pacific experienced rapid growth in the 1980s, and the number of cabin crew increased significantly. At that time, flight attendants regularly flew to various long-haul destinations such as London, Paris, and Vancouver, creating colorful flying experiences.

▲ The “Queen of the Skies,” the Boeing 747, has concluded its 37-year journey and has recently retired with distinction.

▲ Senior Cabin Services Manager Chaivaree.

Senior Cabin Services Manager Chaivaree has worked with the 747 since the early 1980s. She said with emotion: “For many Cathay Pacific cabin crew, the 747 holds a special place. Being able to serve passengers on the Queen of the Skies’ final flight is an incredible honor for me. The memories of working with the 747 will stay in my heart forever.” It’s worth mentioning that the classic 1980s uniform was designed by Hermès—sleek, elegant, and very retro—and is a favorite among many Cathay Pacific flight attendants.

▲ The 1990–1999 Nina Ricci-designed uniform style. (Right)

▲ The 1974–1983 Pierre Balmain design and the 1983–1990 Hermès-designed uniforms.

▲ The vintage designs of the older uniforms have a nostalgic charm.

▲ The two modern upright-collar Cathay Pacific uniforms were designed by Eddie Lau.

The Boeing 747 has accompanied aviation enthusiasts and passengers for over 30 years, leaving memories in the hearts of many. To bid a final farewell to the glorious history of the Queen of the Skies, Cathay Pacific specially arranged for flight attendants to wear the historic uniforms of past eras. These outfits not only caught everyone’s eye but also successfully evoked passengers’ past travel memories.

▲ Aviation fans excitedly take photos with flight attendants in historic uniforms.

▲ The classic and nostalgic uniforms became a major highlight of the Boeing 747’s final flight.