Cathay Dragon (Dragonair) Logo PNG
The logo of Cathay Dragon, previously known as Dragonair, reflects its Hong Kong heritage and role as a key regional carrier in Asia. The design incorporates powerful symbols from Chinese culture, representing prosperity, strength, and good fortune. This emblem symbolizes the company’s commitment to customer service excellence and highlights its importance in expanding regional connections.
Cathay Dragon (Dragonair): Brand overview
Based in Hong Kong, Cathay Dragon—formerly known as Dragonair—was a regional affiliate of Cathay Pacific. On May 24, 1985, the airline was established. It was first known as Hong Kong Dragon Airlines Ltd. Kjell Eidhagen, a former senior executive of Cathay Pacific, founded the company and served as its first CEO. With just one Boeing 737-200, the airline operated flights from Hong Kong to Kota Kinabalu, Phuket, and Kuala Lumpur when it first started operating.
The company grew quickly. By 1987, its fleet had grown to three Boeing 737-200s, and it served important Southeast Asian cities like Bangkok, Singapore, and Manila on its route network. The airline began operating in Tokyo and Nagoya in 1988 after purchasing its first wide-body aircraft, a Lockheed L-1011-385-1-15 TriStar.
A corporate dispute arose between the principal investors, CITIC Group and Swire Group, in 1990. Eventually, the airline was taken over by CITIC, which possessed 38% of the shares. The business continued its growth, introducing new routes, including flights to Chinese cities, and expanding its fleet with Boeing 737-300 and 737-400 aircraft.
In the middle of the 1990s, the company concentrated on the quickly expanding Chinese market. The airline initiated regular service to several Chinese cities, such as Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, Hangzhou, Fuzhou, and Qingdao. Because of its widespread use in China, the carrier was given the moniker “The Pearl of China.”
A subsidiary of Air China, China National Aviation Corporation (CNAC) purchased 25% of the airline’s shares in 1997. The airline increased the number of its European medium-haul Airbus A320 and A330 planes and added additional routes to China.
The Swire Group, which owns Cathay Pacific, acquired a majority share in the company in 2000. From then on, the regional airline maintained operational autonomy but became a Cathay subsidiary. With a fleet of contemporary narrow-body A320s and wide-body A330s, the company continued aggressively expanding into the rapidly expanding Asian and Chinese markets.
The airline changed its name to Cathay Dragon in 2006 to highlight its connection to Cathay Pacific. The airline maintained its iconic dragon emblem and fortified its position under the new branding, growing to become the largest operator of A320 and A321 fleets globally.
Alongside its parent company, Cathay Pacific, the brand expanded in the 2010s, providing travelers with a vast network of regional flights and first-rate service. New A321neo aircraft were added to the fleet to increase fuel efficiency and operational economy.
2011 marked the company’s 25th anniversary. At this point, the airline served 36 Asian locations, including 20 cities in China. There were thirty-two contemporary Airbus A320 and A330 aircraft in its fleet.
The company acquired its first two A320 aircraft with an upgraded interior in 2012, providing customers with additional amenities and comfort. This cabin was adopted as the norm for all newly acquired narrow-body aircraft in the military.
Adding new A321 aircraft in 2013–2014 helped the airline continue its progressive fleet renewal and expansion, allowing for more efficient service on high-demand routes. The airline debuted a new livery in 2014 to highlight its membership in the Cathay group.
By transporting its 50 millionth passenger since its founding in 2015, the company accomplished a noteworthy milestone and solidified its position as one of Asia’s top regional airlines.
Between 2016 and 2017, the brand added additional destinations to its route network, including Nanjing, Hanoi, and Davao. Still, it maintained its major focus on China, the largest and fastest-growing market in the area.
In 2018, the company started using more roomy and effective A321neo aircraft, improving the economy of important routes and providing passengers with the newest comfort. By the end of the year, the airline flew eight of these aircraft.
With 48 aircraft at its peak in 2019, the company’s route network encompassed 53 destinations, including 28 cities in China. The airline was well-positioned to support Cathay Pacific’s extensive international long-haul network in the specialized market for premium regional travel.
Meaning and History
What is Cathay Dragon (Dragonair)?
It is a regional airline based in Hong Kong and a subsidiary of Cathay Pacific. It operates flights to various Asian destinations, including China, Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asia. Known for its high service standards, it is focused on providing comfortable and reliable regional air transportation. The airline offered various classes of service, including economy, business class, and sometimes first class. It was integrated into Cathay Pacific to streamline operations and unify services under its name.
1985 – 2016
Cathay Dragon, initially known as Dragonair, started its journey in the aviation industry in 1985 and continued successfully until 2016. The name “Dragonair” inspired the creation of a logo that represents both cultural symbols and modern design. The logo features an exciting image that combines the mythical power of the dragon with an elegant contemporary script.
At the center of the composition, a majestic symbol of China, a red dragon, is executed in a graceful and dynamic style. This dragon is curved to appear eager to soar into the sky. In Chinese culture, the dragon represents strength, wisdom, and benevolence and is believed to bring prosperity and happiness. According to legends, these magical creatures can bring well-being and protect against evil spirits.
The dragon’s image is decorative and symbolic in the airline’s liveries and the company’s emblem. The dragon is believed to attract material well-being and protect the aircraft from accidents. Interestingly, the depicted dragon has a serpent-like body and is wingless, emphasizing its power and protective qualities rather than the ability to fly.
Beneath the dragon’s image is a black inscription in a simple yet elegant font. The letters are slightly curved, harmoniously complementing the beast’s smooth lines. The capital letters in the inscription reflect the airline’s ambitions to be an industry leader.
2016 – 2020
When the company changed its name, its logo underwent a complete transformation. While the dragon’s name remained, the mythical creature is no longer featured in the emblem. Replacing it is a light crimson stroke that flutters gracefully, akin to a celestial bird on the sign. This image, symbolizing flight with each stroke, reflects the company’s ambitions to reach new heights in the aviation industry.
This light and airy element is visually balanced by a strong red inscription in English placed below it, with a Chinese inscription underneath. This font choice demonstrates the company’s maturity and experience and highlights its individuality. The brand creates a memorable impression through its high level of service and distinct identity.
The rich raspberry color of the logo, associated with the peony flower, symbolizes wealth, luck, and a prosperous life in many cultures. This color choice conveys the favorable prospects and prosperity the company wishes for its clients.