Cathay Pacific Set to Order Boeing 777-8F for Cargo Fleet Renewal
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According to industry sources on May 29, Cathay Pacific is reportedly planning a significant renewal of its cargo fleet and is poised to order Boeing 777-8F freighters as part of its fleet revamp, replacing a portion of its current fleet of 747 cargo jets.
The decision comes after a competition involving approximately six aircraft options, with contenders including the cargo variant of Boeing’s 777X series and the Airbus A350F freighter, as per the sources.
While a spokesperson for Boeing declined to comment, Cathay Pacific has yet to respond to the request for comment.
Cathay Pacific currently operates a fleet of 186 aircraft, with 91 currently active. The fleet includes a variety of Airbus models such as A320ceos, A321ceos, A321NXs, A330-300s, A350-1000s, and A350-900s. Additionally, the airline operates Boeing aircraft, including Boeing 777-300s, 777-300ERs, and a cargo fleet of 14 747-8Fs, and six 747-400ERF freighters.
Furthermore, Cathay Pacific has pending orders for 21 Boeing 777-9s, five Airbus A350s, and ten A321NXs. The average age of the fleet is 11.5 years, with A330s being the oldest at 15.5 years, followed by A320/321ceos at 18 years, and 777-300s at 21 years.
In March 2023, Cathay Pacific experienced a remarkable 25.3% growth in cargo volumes compared to the same period in the previous year. This expansion can be attributed to the relaxation of pandemic-related aircrew quarantine measures, which had significantly impacted cargo capacity.
The gradual resumption of passenger flights has also contributed to increased belly cargo, along with the continuation of freighter flights, further bolstering Cathay Pacific’s cargo operations.