Hong Kong carrier Cathay Pacific has placed a firm order with Airbus for new aircraft – this time, the Airbus A330neo.
The airline has placed a firm order for 30 A330-900 widebody aircraft, with options for a further 30. The order follows an evaluation by the airline under its mid-size widebody fleet renewal programme.
The newly-ordered aircraft will enable Cathay to modernise its earlier generation A330-300 fleet and expand its operations on high-capacity regional routes, whilst allowing the airline the flexibility to serve longer-range destinations.
As with all A330neo aircraft, the fleet will be powered by the latest generation Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines.
The move comes with other improvements planned for the fleet, including the airline’s all-new Aria Suite, Premium Economy and refreshed Economy coming to its redesigned Boeing 777-300ER aircraft later this year. A new First class will be launched onboard its 777-9s in 2025, whilst a brand new cabin and flat-bed Business class product on its existing A330 aircraft in 2026.
In Quotes
Ronald Lam, Cathay Group Chief Executive Officer said:
“As Cathay completes the final stretch of its rebuilding journey, we are turning the page to modernisation and growth, both in terms of scope and quality. We are delighted to announce this new order for state-of-the-art A330neo aircraft. This substantial investment reflects not only our immense confidence in Hong Kong’s leading international aviation hub status, but also represents our commitment to fostering our home city’s ongoing development.”
“The A330 is an aircraft type that has been serving Cathay Pacific well for nearly 30 years. These new aircraft will principally serve our regional destinations in Asia, while also providing the flexibility to serve longer-haul destinations as required. The improved fuel efficiency of these A330neos, together with their high standards of comfort, will enable us to further elevate the experience we provide for our customers while also contributing towards our goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.”
Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Executive Officer, Commercial Aircraft said:
“This latest order from Cathay, one of the world’s most experienced A330 operators, is a major endorsement of the latest generation A330neo. It is the natural successor for existing A330 fleets, bringing the highest levels of technical and operational commonality, and significant reductions in fuel consumption and carbon emissions. In addition, the award-winning Airspace cabin provides a whole new flight experience.”
“At Cathay, the A330neo will become the backbone of its regional widebody operations, with the versatility to operate on longer routes. Together with its A320 Family and A350 fleets, the airline will be able to take full benefit from the unique synergies of the latest generation Airbus product line.”
Moving in the new aircraft
Cathay Pacific has several Airbus widebody aircraft in its fleet, covering the A330-300 (37) A350-900 (29) and Airbus A350-1000 (18), with the A330-300s used primarily for regional operations within the group.
At this time, it seems to be a partial fleet replacement, with 30 aircraft ordered, compared to the 37 in current operation – although with a refit planned for existing Airbus A330-300 aircraft, this could reduce the need to replace newer aircraft immediately.
With a range of 7,200nm/13,000km, The Cathay Group may well look to further expand the use of single-aisle aircraft on the shorter routes, whilst deploying the A330neos far and wide.
As Hong Kong International Airport continues to regain its footing, it’ll be interesting to see how Cathay Pacific deploys its new capacity.
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