More than 70 years ago, former Air Force pilots Roy Farrell and Sydney de Kantzow founded an airline with a mission to cross the Pacific Ocean. The ambition was embedded in the name – Cathay Pacific – and in 30 years, that goal was achieved, with services from China to the Americas.

In the years since, Cathay Pacific has evolved from a small regional carrier to one of the world’s great airlines, growing an extensive global network and redefining the long-haul travel experience. Today, the airline has a modern, connected fleet, airport lounges that have set standards in comfort, and continues to pioneer new routes linked to its vibrant home of Hong Kong.

‘The story of that evolution is characterised by innovation and ambition – pushing the physical and technical boundaries of long-haul flying, to being the first to enter new markets,’ says Cathay Pacific’s Chief Executive Officer Rupert Hogg.

And indeed, it has always been an airline to set the agenda. It was the first to fly from Hong Kong to Vancouver; the first to fly non-stop to London; the first to fly over the North Pole non-stop to New York. It introduced the first lie-flat seats to Asia and, in 2001, it was the first airline in the world to offer online check-in.

‘Through it all, there has been an enduring thread that defines us; a belief that great service will always be valued, that our style of service is what makes us different and better,’ says Hogg.

Now that philosophy has found new expression in a single statement for the future – two words, which can be traced back to the airline’s founders themselves: Move Beyond. Two words, one lofty ambition.