New | Exclusive: Dragonair founders’ daughter ‘sad’ to see brand go as Cathay Pacific unveils Cathay Dragon

The end of three decades of the Dragonair name and the iconic red dragon logo that adorned the planes of Hong Kong’s first local airline has stirred fond memories for the daughter of the carrier’s founder.

The airline’s current owner, Cathay Pacific Group, announced on Thursday that Dragonair will be renamed Cathay Dragon, as reported by the South China Morning Post on Tuesday.

“The name change is news to me. However, understanding how big corporations work, it does not surprise me at all,” Diana Chou, daughter of founder Chao Kuang-piu, told the Post.

“If rebranding can enhance brand equity value, I am sure shareholders will vote for it,” said Chou, who remains influential in Hong Kong aviation circles and runs her own private jet business called L’voyage.

“Nevertheless, it is sad that such decision has been made as I have very fond memories of how involved my father was in designing and picking the name and logo. Our family exited Dragonair many years ago. Regardless of the changes, we will always be remembered as the founders of the company,” she said.

Dragonair, which became a wholly-owned unit of Cathay in 2006, has kept its brand identity largely unchanged for nearly 31 years since it was founded by textile magnate Chao in May 1985 to challenge the Swire Group airline.

Its Chinese-themed livery was a stark contrast to the green of ­Cathay. The dragon mark will make way for Cathay Pacific’s brushwing design, although the red colouring will be retained.