Cathay Pacific Orders 30 Airbus A330-900s for Fleet Renewal

Cathay Pacific Aircraft Services has announced a significant fleet renewal initiative by placing a firm order with Airbus for thirty A330-900 aircraft, with purchase rights for an additional thirty. This strategic move aims to modernize the A330 fleet of Cathay Pacific (CX), based at Hong Kong International Airport, and enhance its operational capabilities.

Cathay Pacific has confirmed that all thirty firm-ordered A330-900s are scheduled for delivery by the end of 2031. These new aircraft will replace the airline’s current mid-size widebody fleet, which consists of forty-three A330-300s with an average age of 16 years. The A330-900s are designed to improve operational efficiency and passenger experience as part of Cathay Pacific’s broader fleet modernization efforts.

The A330-900s will primarily serve Cathay Pacific’s regional medium-haul Asian network, with the potential to be deployed on long-haul routes in the future. The acquisition will be financed through a combination of bank loans, finance leases, sale and leasebacks, and cash, ensuring financial flexibility and cost-effectiveness.

This order is part of Cathay Pacific’s comprehensive fleet renewal strategy, which recently saw the airline firm up options for A320neo Family aircraft. Cathay Pacific currently has unfilled orders for eight A320-200Ns and thirty-six A321-200NX aircraft, destined for both Cathay Pacific and its low-cost carrier affiliate HK Express . Additionally, Cathay Pacific has an order for twenty-one 777-9s to replace part of its fleet of thirty-eight 777-300(ER)s.

Cathay Pacific’s passenger fleet includes a diverse range of modern aircraft, such as twelve A321-200NX, thirty A350-900s, eighteen A350-1000s, and seventeen 777-300s. This diverse fleet composition allows the airline to efficiently serve various routes and meet evolving passenger demands. By investing in the A330-900s, Cathay Pacific aims to strengthen its position as a leading carrier in the Asia-Pacific region, offering enhanced services and increased operational flexibility to meet future market demands.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, Cathay Pacific, airbus.com, ch-aviation.com