Cathay Pacific Boosts Cargo Fleet with Airbus A350F Order and Options for 20 More

Cathay Pacific (CX), the Hong Kong-based airline, has expanded its cargo fleet with a firm order for six Airbus A350 freighters, with an option for an additional 20 aircraft. This strategic move follows amendments to an existing 2010 contract, receiving approval from major stakeholders Swire Pacific and Air China. The new A350F additions are slated for delivery between 2027 and 2029.

The order includes six A350 freighters initially, with Cathay Pacific holding options for 20 more units. Deliveries are scheduled over the period from 2027 to the end of 2029.

The A350Fs are intended to bolster Cathay Pacific’s cargo capacity, focusing on long-haul routes covering North America, South America, and Europe. The airline aims to enhance fleet efficiency and capabilities with the new aircraft, operating at competitive costs.

Cathay Pacific disclosed that it secured “significant price concessions” from Airbus. The cost of each A350F will be settled in eight instalments, with substantial portions paid before delivery. Financing is expected through sale and leaseback arrangements, finance leases, commercial bank loans, and internal business operations.

Cathay Pacific is already an operator of Airbus A350 aircraft, with twenty-nine A350-900s in service and eighteen A350-1000s, with an additional A350-900 pending delivery.

This strategic move positions Cathay Pacific to meet growing demand in the air cargo sector, especially on long-haul routes, leveraging the advanced capabilities and efficiency of the Airbus A350F freighters. The order and options for additional units underscore the airline’s commitment to modernizing its cargo fleet and staying competitive in the evolving air freight market.