Cathay Pacific evaluates new widebody orders from Airbus and Boeing

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Cathay Pacific evaluates new widebody orders from Airbus and Boeing

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Ronald Lam Cathay Group Chief Executive Officer | Cathay Pacific Website

By Sky Industry News

Feb 5, 2025

Cathay Pacific is currently evaluating proposals from Airbus and Boeing for its next aircraft order, considering the Airbus A350 or Boeing 787 family, along with potentially adding more Boeing 777Xs to its fleet. Bloomberg reported that Cathay Pacific has issued a request for proposals to both manufacturers for new widebody aircraft. The exact composition of the order, including the number of aircraft, has not been finalized. However, it may expand with additional options.

According to ch-aviation data, Cathay Pacific already has 72 aircraft in its firm backlog, including 57 widebodies: 30 Airbus A330-900s, six A350Fs, and 21 777-9s. In August 2024, the airline confirmed an order for 30 A330-900s plus 30 options for the same type. The Hong Kong-based company plans to introduce these A330-900s starting in 2028 on regional routes in Asia.

“With orders covering narrowbody, regional widebody, long-haul widebody, and large freighter aircraft,” Cathay stated that these investments will modernize and expand their fleet.

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The airline's A350F order was finalized in December 2023 with an option to increase the order from 20 to potentially 26 cargo aircraft entering service by 2026. Cathay Pacific expects delivery of its first A350F in 2027.

In October 2024, Cathay Pacific introduced new Aria Suites on retrofitted Boeing 777-300ER aircraft as part of initiatives to enhance passenger experience post-pandemic recovery at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG). Lavinia Lau emphasized that customer experience is central to their business class design.

“In the highly anticipated Aria Suite,” Lau noted that artistry and craftsmanship were integral “to create a holistic and immersive experience where comfort, privacy and a sense of personal space are completely reimagined.”

Lau also highlighted Cathay's significant investment commitment over HK$100 billion ($12.8 billion) into various areas reflecting confidence in Hong Kong’s aviation growth.

Despite ongoing challenges following city-wide protests and pandemic impacts on travel numbers compared to pre-pandemic levels —22.8 million passengers served by year-end—Cathay projects strong financial results driven by elevated cargo demand and lower fuel prices while planning full operational recovery by January 2025.