With recovery season underway, Cathay Pacific is looking to the future. The flag carrier of Hong Kong is keen to have the right aircraft to meet demand this decade.

Plenty to choose from

The Cathay Pacific Group matched the close of 2022 with 222 aircraft in its fleet. These planes were split between 181 with the Cathay mainline, 26 with Hong Kong Express, and 15 with Air Hong Kong.

Regarding Airbus models, the A321, A330, and A350 productions have a stronghold in the fleet. On the Boeing side, the 747 and 777 support cargo and passenger operations, respectively.

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Looking ahead

The airline highlights that it continues to invest in and grow its fleet by adding new, state-of-the-art, and fuel-efficient aircraft.

Paul Johannes, regional head of customer travel and lifestyle, Europe, Cathay Pacific, explains:

“As we look to build our network and services in the period after the introduction of Hong Kong’s three-runway system, we will be looking to further build our network and connectivity at the Hong Kong hub.

“The Cathay Pacific Group has existing orders for 48 new-generation passenger aircraft, which will be delivered between 2023 and 2028 and we are also introducing new cabin products to our existing long-haul fleet.”

The aircraft on order will consist of Airbus A350, A321neo, and Boeing 777X aircraft, offering a well-balanced future holding.

Cathay already holds 28 A350-900s at an average age of 5.4 years. They offer a combined capacity of 8,400 seats. Additionally, there are 18 A350-1000s with an average age of 3.4 years and a combined capacity of 6,012. Two of these arrived late last year. Still, the airline is expecting two further A350-900s to join the fold.

The carrier also holds nine A321neos, which began joining in late 2020. They provide the capacity for 3,232 passengers between them. At least seven further A321neos are soon expected, according to ch-aviation.

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A new type

When it comes to Boeing widebodies, in December 2013, Cathay ordered 21 777Xs. Deliveries were initially anticipated in 2021, but there have been a series of delays to the program, and the type isn't expected to join airlines until 2025.

The airline previously stated:

“The 777-9 promises us improved payload range capability and reduced operating costs, in addition to a significant reduction in environmental emissions."

Cathay 777X

Thus, with more modern twinjets part of the family, Cathay is ensuring it is well-equipped to handle an increase in passenger demand in this next chapter of aviation. The carrier may only be at 50% of pre-pandemic levels, but with major markets finally open, it will be a busy period for the operator.

What are your thoughts about Cathay Pacific’s fleet? What do you make of the overall prospects of the airline’s holdings? Let us know what you think of the carrier’s plans in the comment section.

Source: ch-aviation.com

  • Cathay Pacific Tile
    Cathay Pacific
    IATA/ICAO Code:
    CX/CPA
    Airline Type:
    Full Service Carrier
    Hub(s):
    Hong Kong International Airport
    Year Founded:
    1946
    Alliance:
    oneworld
    CEO:
    Ronald Lam
    Country:
    China (Special Administrative Region)
    Region:
    Asia