Hong Kong's Cathay Group Increases A330-900 Order to 41 Aircraft

en.Wedoany.com Reported - On November 11, Hong Kong's Cathay Group announced the exercise of existing aircraft purchase rights to place an additional order for 14 Airbus aircraft, including 11 A330-900 widebody aircraft and 3 A321neo narrowbody aircraft. The acquisition will support Cathay Pacific's regional route expansion and the short-haul network development of HK Express. The A330-900 order adds to the 30 aircraft ordered in 2024, bringing the group's total confirmed orders for this aircraft type to 41.

The 11 additional A330-900s will be operated by Cathay Pacific, primarily serving Asia-Pacific regional routes and adding passenger and belly cargo capacity. The aircraft belongs to the Airbus A330neo family, powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, with a maximum range of approximately 15,000 kilometers, capable of covering Asian and some intercontinental routes. Technical data published by Airbus states that compared with the previous-generation competing aircraft of the same class, the A330neo can reduce fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and operating costs by approximately 25%.

The other 3 A321neo aircraft will be used to expand the HK Express fleet. Cathay Group previously ordered 32 A321neo and A320neo family aircraft in 2023; the new order exercises purchase rights under the existing procurement arrangement and does not mean that all 32 previously ordered aircraft are classified as A321neo. The A321neo features new-generation engines and aerodynamic optimization, and is a single-aisle narrowbody aircraft. Airbus states that compared with the previous-generation single-aisle models, the A320 family can reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by at least 20%. The new aircraft will primarily serve the Chinese mainland and other short-haul markets.

The acquisition is part of Cathay Group's overall fleet renewal plan. The group disclosed that cumulative new aircraft deliveries from 2026 onward will reach 120, with plans to receive 150 new aircraft over the next 10 years and expand its route network to 150 destinations, subject to market conditions. From 2026 to 2035, the group has committed a total investment exceeding HK$150 billion, covering aircraft procurement, cabin products, lounges and digital development.