As Boeing prepares to deliver its last 747 airliner, we caught up with Mark Hoey, general manager for operations at Cathay Pacific and former 747 chief pilot, to reflect on the iconic jet...
There are a handful of international airlines which are synonymous with the Boeing 747, and Cathay Pacific is most certainly one of them. The Hong Kong-based carrier received its first jumbo jet more than 40 years ago and went on to become one of the largest global operators of the aircraft. The firm’s 747 fleet carried more than 160 million passengers all over the world during almost four decades, fostering an enduring link between the aircraft and its brand.
Speaking exclusively to Airliner World, Mark Hoey, general manager, operations at Cathay Pacific reflected on its legacy: “The 747 has always been a key component in the history of Cathay Pacific, ever since our first 747-200, VR-HKG (c/n 21746), entered passenger service for the first time on August 4, 1979. It opened up the world with its ability to carry more passengers farther distances than any aircraft before it, effectively changing the way that people could travel.”
It's no exaggeration to credit the aircraft with helping transform the company from being a primarily regional …
