Cathay Pacific History
On September 24, 1946, two ex-air force pilots Roy Farrell (America) and Sydney de Kantzow (Australia) established Cathay Pacific in Hong Kong. On the inaugural voyage of Cathay Pacific, both Farrell and Kantzow flew from Hong Kong to Manila followed by Shanghai. At the initial stage Cathay Pacific offered its scheduled service from Hong Kong to Bankok, Singapore and Manila only. In addition to these, Cathay Pacific began its limited service from Hong Kong to Canton, Sydney, Shanghai and Singapore. In 1948 Cathay Pacific sold it 45% stake to Butterfield & Swine (now called Swire Group). The new company started its operations on July 1, 1948 and became Cathay Pacific (1948) Ltd on October 18, 1948. Further Swire acquire 52% of the company and even today the same company own 40% of Cathay Pacific Airways through Swire Pacific Ltd. With the passing time Cathay Pacific Airways had seen frequent expansions and made a place among the world's leading airlines.