Cathay Pacific Leaning Towards Airbus for Potential A350F Order

Cathay Pacific (CX), the world’s fifth-largest cargo airline, is reportedly favoring Airbus over Boeing as it contemplates an upcoming freighter order. According to industry sources cited by Reuters, the Hong Kong-based carrier, which was initially interested in the Boeing 777-200F and 777-8F, is now leaning towards ordering six Airbus A350 freighters.

Although the reasons behind the switch were not disclosed, Cathay Pacific had temporarily halted the decision-making process before revisiting the potential order. Speaking at the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) Assembly of Presidents in Singapore, CEO Ronald Lam confirmed that the airline was actively working on a new freighter order.

Cathay Pacific, a crucial player in Hong Kong’s status as a leading global air cargo hub, operates a significant cargo fleet, including belly-hold space in passenger-configured aircraft. The airline currently has six Boeing 747-400ERFs and fourteen 747-8Fs. The new order will replace the oldest aircraft in this fleet.

The average age of Cathay Pacific’s 747-400ERF fleet is around 15 years, with the 747-8Fs having an average age of approximately 11 years. The impending order is expected to enhance the airline’s cargo capabilities and contribute to maintaining Hong Kong’s position in the air cargo industry.

While Cathay Pacific did not comment specifically on the recent reports, it stated that the airline would continue evaluating new-generation freighters to enhance capacity and generate value for customers and shareholders. The company remains open to all possibilities in its pursuit of cargo fleet modernization.