Hong Kong Airlines has unveiled a comprehensive upgrade to its Panda Friends livery aircraft, adding themed cabin interiors and limited-edition collectibles to the experience.
The updated A320 aircraft made its maiden flight to Chengdu on June 24, 2026, a fitting destination given the Chinese city’s status as the hometown of the giant panda.
The collaboration with Ocean Park features six giant pandas as the stars of the livery: An An, Ke Ke, Ying Ying, Le Le, and Hong Kong-born twins Jia Jia and De De.
From exterior to interior
The aircraft, which first launched in mid-March 2026, originally featured the pandas on its fuselage. The upgrade extends the theme throughout the cabin with panda-themed boarding passes, ceiling and overhead bin graphics, headrest covers, and branded catering items including paper cups and service trolleys.
Bruce Wang, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Hong Kong Airlines, described the aircraft as a “calling card of Hong Kong in the skies.”
“We have meticulously crafted every passenger touchpoint, from the boarding pass to the headrest cover, from the cabin ceiling to the cup in your hand, transforming the six Hong Kong giant pandas into the most heart-warming travel companions,” Wang said.
Collectibles and lounge experience
Hong Kong Airlines has also released a series of Panda Friends merchandise, including die-cast aircraft models in 1:400 and 1:200 scale, cabin crew blind box figurines, eye masks, luggage tags, and keychains. Pre-orders opened on June 24 through the airline’s online store.
At Club Autus, Hong Kong Airlines’ lounge at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), a panda-themed media installation has been added, featuring a multi-media screen showing giant pandas from Ocean Park.
A tourism push
The partnership is part of a broader effort by Hong Kong to leverage its giant panda population for tourism. Hong Kong is home to the largest number of giant pandas outside mainland China.
Rosanna Law, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, said the collaboration helps showcase the city’s unique appeal.
“The Hong Kong giant panda family serves as tourism ambassadors showcasing Hong Kong’s unique charm to the world, attracting visitors from across the globe, and boosting development of the tourism industry,” Law said.
Marking Hong Kong Airlines’ 20th year
The launch coincides with Hong Kong Airlines’ 20th anniversary. The carrier, established in 2006, recently relocated its check-in operations to Terminal 2 at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) and unveiled a refreshed corporate identity.
Hong Kong Airlines operates an all-Airbus fleet and flies to more than 30 destinations across Asia Pacific and North America. The airline has held a four-star Skytrax rating since 2011.