Cathay Pacific Seeks New Widebody Aircraft from Boeing and Airbus
Cathay Pacific (CX), Hong Kong’s flagship carrier, has officially issued a request for proposal (RfP) to aerospace giants Boeing and Airbus for the supply of widebody aircraft, Bloomberg reports citing insider sources. This strategic move aligns with Cathay Pacific’s ambitious growth plans and its commitment to strengthening Hong Kong’s position as a leading international aviation hub.
According to data from the ch-aviation fleets module, Cathay Pacific currently has a substantial fleet on order, including thirty Airbus A330-900N, six Airbus A350F, and twenty-one Boeing B777-9 widebodies. However, the airline is not stopping there. Cathay Pacific is also expressing interest in additional Airbus A350 and Boeing B787 models, as well as the potentially delayed Boeing B777X aircraft. While the exact size of this future order remains undecided, it is expected to include several options to accommodate the airline’s expanding operational needs.
Cathay Pacific’s request for new widebody aircraft comes at a pivotal time. Last year, the airline committed approximately USD 12.8 billion towards upgrades, which include the acquisition of new aircraft over the next seven years. This investment is part of a broader strategy to enhance fleet efficiency and expand service offerings. The recent opening of a third runway at Hong Kong International Airport has further bolstered these plans, enabling Cathay and other carriers to increase aircraft movements and accommodate higher passenger volumes.
In 2024, Cathay Pacific and its subsidiary HK Express (UO) successfully flew over 28 million passengers, marking a 30.7% increase compared to 2023. Passenger load factors also rose by 3.6%, reaching an impressive 84.8%. These robust performance metrics underscore the effectiveness of Cathay’s growth strategies and highlight the increasing demand for air travel between Hong Kong and various international destinations.
Lavinia Lau, Cathay Group Chief Commercial Officer, emphasized the airline’s focus on expanding its network. “Looking ahead, we remain firmly focused on further strengthening Hong Kong’s status as a leading international aviation hub, adding more flights and destinations for both passengers and cargo customers,” Lau stated. This vision is supported by the planned fleet expansion, which aims to enhance connectivity and provide more options for travelers.
Despite the clear intent to grow, Cathay Pacific faces logistical challenges. The production slots at both Boeing and Airbus are heavily booked for the remainder of the decade, meaning any new orders are unlikely to result in deliveries before 2030. This timeline necessitates meticulous planning to ensure that fleet expansions align with Cathay’s long-term operational goals and market demands.
Currently, Cathay Pacific’s mainline fleet comprises one inactive Airbus A320-200, sixteen Airbus A321-200NX, forty-three Airbus A330-300s, thirty Airbus A350-900s, eighteen Airbus A350-1000s, six Boeing B747-400ERFs, fourteen Boeing B747-8Fs, seventeen Boeing B777-300s, and thirty-six Boeing B777-300ERs, totaling 181 aircraft. The airline operates flights to 92 airports across 33 countries, showcasing its extensive global reach.
In addition to acquiring new aircraft, Cathay Pacific is enhancing its fleet with the introduction of its new Allegris interior product. This state-of-the-art cabin design will be installed on more than 80 brand-new aircraft, including Boeing 787-9s, Airbus A350s, and Boeing 777-9s, promising passengers an elevated travel experience with improved comfort and amenities.
As Cathay Pacific navigates its expansion, the collaboration with Boeing and Airbus will be crucial in meeting the airline’s growing needs. The RfP marks a significant step towards modernizing Cathay’s fleet and ensuring that the airline remains competitive in the ever-evolving aviation industry.
For more information on Cathay Pacific’s fleet expansion and upcoming routes, visit Cathay Pacific’s official website.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com