Ever wonder how Cathay Pacific, a titan of the skies, began? Our story starts right here, with the Douglas DC-3 “Betsy” in Hong Kong. This isn’t just any old plane; this is the aircraft that launched an airline empire. “Betsy,” a Douglas DC-3 Dakota, was one of two surplus US Army planes purchased in 1946 by Roy Farrell and Sydney de Kantzow for a single Hong Kong dollar each. These two visionaries founded Cathay Pacific Airways, naming it “Cathay” after the ancient name for China, and “Pacific” reflecting Farrell’s dream of trans-Pacific flight. The Douglas DC-3 “Betsy” was instrumental in their early operations. Initially, Cathay Pacific focused on freight, with “Betsy” making runs between Hong Kong, Sydney, Manila, Singapore, Shanghai, Saigon, and Bangkok. The airline quickly expanded, becoming a symbol of Hong Kong’s rise as a global hub. Now, “Betsy,” repainted in her original 1940s livery, hangs suspended at the Hong Kong Science Museum, a testament to the humble beginnings of Cathay Pacific. She stands as a reminder of the airline’s commitment to Hong Kong, a city that has seen Cathay Pacific grow from a two-plane operation to a globally recognized, five-star airline. So next time you fly Cathay Pacific, remember “Betsy,” the Douglas DC-3 that started it all.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to