【66】YY Cathay Pacific 747: The Spirit of Hong Kong 97

[Pacific]

YY B747-267B | Cathay Pacific | B-HIB | The Spirit of Hong Kong

Manufactured by HX

This aircraft was officially delivered to Cathay Pacific on July 1, 1997, but ended its service with the airline on December 1, 1999, marking a very short operational life. Notably, VR-HIB was the fourth Boeing 747 ever received by Cathay Pacific.

1997 marked the historic year of Hong Kong’s return to the motherland. Cathay Pacific specially created this aircraft to showcase to the world the spirit of Hong Kong citizens and their firm confidence in the future. Officially named The Spirit of Hong Kong 97, it embodies the city’s spirit: diligence, enterprise, innovation, and relentless resilience in the face of adversity.

Visually, the livery is highly distinctive and rich in Oriental characteristics:

The lower fuselage features a large silhouette of the Victoria Harbour skyline, including iconic landmarks such as the Bank of China Tower and Tsim Sha Tsui, clearly declaring its Hong Kong identity wherever it flies. The aircraft retains Cathay’s classic forest green as the main colour, interwoven with white, presenting a deep and steady aesthetic — honouring the brand while symbolising Hong Kong’s poise and vitality.

 

[LeoMuse747]

YY B747-267B | Cathay Pacific | B-HIB | The Spirit of Hong Kong

Manufactured by HX

This aircraft was officially delivered to Cathay Pacific on July 1, 1997, but ended its service with the airline on December 1, 1999, marking a very short operational life. Notably, VR-HIB was the fourth Boeing 747 ever received by Cathay Pacific.

1997 marked the historic year of Hong Kong’s return to the motherland. Cathay Pacific specially created this aircraft to showcase to the world the spirit of Hong Kong citizens and their firm confidence in the future. Officially named The Spirit of Hong Kong 97, it embodies the city’s spirit: diligence, enterprise, innovation, and relentless resilience in the face of adversity.

Visually, the livery is highly distinctive and rich in Oriental characteristics:

The lower fuselage features a large silhouette of the Victoria Harbour skyline, including iconic landmarks such as the Bank of China Tower and Tsim Sha Tsui, clearly declaring its Hong Kong identity wherever it flies. The aircraft retains Cathay’s classic forest green as the main colour, interwoven with white, presenting a deep and steady aesthetic — honouring the brand while symbolising Hong Kong’s poise and vitality.

Great pics of a wonderful model!
However, your info is wrong because she was actually delivered to Cathay as VR-HIB (note the old Hong Kong reg VR-H** instead of the new B-H** system) in July 16, 1980. She was later operated by Air Atlanta Icelandic in 1999 as TF-ATC. Her operational life at Cathay wasn't that short - 19 years I guess you only considered the period when she had the new B reg

 

[JET-10/11/47]

This is an exceptionally beautiful model! Hx/YY have such a great mould of the B747 and love the detail too which I’ve said numerous times before. I hope they keep it up and not start screwing up like NG did!

 

[pons399]

Anything wrong with this? I’m thinking of getting one, but only if it’s good.

 

[Phantom]

Anything wrong with this?..

Sure, the color on the wings as usual.