Cathay Pacific Airways

First Class In-Flight Menu: Hong Kong – Manila [c. 1978–1983]

This cord-bound First Class in-flight menu exemplifies Cathay Pacific Airways’ late-20th-century transformation from a regional carrier into a globally aspirational airline brand. Produced as a souvenir-quality booklet rather than disposable ephemera, the menu reflects a deliberate convergence of luxury branding, international cuisine, and cross-cultural presentation during the final decades of analog air travel.

Printed on heavy textured stock and presented in English, Chinese, and Japanese, the menu documents elite airline catering practices of the period, including European haute cuisine standards, vintage Champagne and Bordeaux selections, and formal recognition by La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs. The illustrated cover features Himeji Castle after a watercolor by Hong Kong artist Law Wai Ho, whose work was widely exhibited internationally, situating the object at the intersection of aviation history, graphic design, and modern Asian cultural exchange.

Oblong quarto. Heavy textured stock with cord-tied spine and tassel. Illustrated cover featuring Himeji Castle after a watercolor by Hong Kong artist Law Wai Ho. Text printed in English, Chinese, and Japanese.

The bindings are tight and square. Text is clean; light, even age-toning. Minor edge wear and faint interior spotting consistent with age.

Menu includes full First Class brunch service, international cheese course, premium cocktail and wine list featuring Charles Heidsieck Champagne (1976), Château Smith Haut Lafitte (1977), and vintage port selections. Recognized by La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs for in-flight catering standards.

Subjects: Cathay Pacific Airways, First Class Air Travel, Airline Menus, Luxury Travel, Hong Kong Aviation, Aviation Ephemera, Travel History, Graphic Design.

Item #21398

Price: $95.00