Cathay Pacific’s newest campaign is a love letter to Hong Kong, fine dining, and comedy—all delivered with a wink, a plate of abalone, and the comedic timing of Jimmy O. Yang. The Hong Kong-born, LA-raised actor and comedian brings a unique east-meets-west energy to the airline’s new series of cinematic short films, designed to showcase one very clear message: Cathay is back, and it’s serving Michelin-starred meals in every cabin.
Best known for his breakout role as the eccentric app developer Jian-Yang in Silicon Valley, Jimmy O. Yang has also appeared in Crazy Rich Asians, Love Hard, and 2 Broke Girls, winning fans with his quick wit, relatable humor, and effortless charm. In this latest project, he stars in a trio of tongue-in-cheek videos for Cathay Pacific that playfully blend action, drama, and romance—all unfolding mid-flight, all centered around the airline’s dramatically upgraded in-flight dining.
In “The Drop,” Yang plays an undercover inspector on a mission, but instead of chasing villains, he’s distracted by a surprisingly elegant sweet and sour pork dish. “Jimmy & Jimmy” puts him in a culinary face-off with a rival chef, battling over signature dishes in a stylish kitchen showdown. And “Entrée to You” follows a whimsical love story sparked by a single spoonful of something exquisite. Each film is a clever, high-production-value nod to the kinds of content passengers might actually watch in-flight—only this time, the food is the star.
But these aren’t just cute ads. They’re the teaser trailers for something bigger: Cathay Pacific’s full-on reinvention of its in-flight experience. Central to that is food. The airline has partnered with three of Hong Kong’s most acclaimed Michelin-starred restaurants—Yat Tung Heen, Louise, and Duddell’s—not just to elevate first or business class, but to bring world-class cuisine to all passengers, including those in economy.
It’s a bold move. Yat Tung Heen, known for its elevated Cantonese dishes, is contributing recipes to economy and premium economy menus. That means travellers in the back of the plane will enjoy restaurant-quality meals from a kitchen recognized by Michelin. Meanwhile, Louise brings refined French bistro fare to business and first class, and Duddell’s offers upscale Cantonese dishes like braised chicken with abalone and matsutake mushroom. This isn’t airline food as we’ve known it—this is a curated, multi-cabin culinary collaboration.
And food isn’t the only thing Cathay is transforming. The airline has unveiled a brand-new business class suite—the Aria Suite—with fully enclosed sliding doors, wireless charging, expansive 4K screens, luxurious finishes, and a focus on personal space and privacy. Premium economy is getting a serious facelift too, with redesigned seats, more comfort, upgraded entertainment, and thoughtful amenities. Even economy class is being enhanced with refreshed designs and access to high-speed Wi-Fi across the board.
Pair that with an inflight entertainment system that’s now fully equipped with 4K screens and a broader, more frequently updated library, and it’s clear that Cathay Pacific is aiming not just to compete—but to lead.
That’s why Jimmy O. Yang is such a perfect fit for this campaign. He embodies the global, cross-cultural identity that defines modern Hong Kong. His success in Hollywood, while staying grounded in his roots, mirrors Cathay’s own journey—an airline steeped in Asian heritage but determined to appeal to a global, premium audience.
Through humor, storytelling, and seriously good food, Cathay’s latest campaign does more than entertain—it makes a statement. The airline is embracing creativity and quality at every level, from the tray table to the tarmac. Michelin meals for all, premium design in every seat, and a fresh, confident tone backed by one of Hong Kong’s most beloved exports.
In a time when air travel is finally starting to feel exciting again, Cathay Pacific is showing what real competition in the skies looks like. And with Jimmy O. Yang along for the ride, it’s doing it with style, flavor, and just the right amount of swagger.
