Cathay Cargo, the cargo division of Cathay Pacific Airways, announced a significant investment in its future by ordering six next-generation Airbus A350F freighters, with an option to purchase 20 more. This move reinforces Cathay’s commitment to becoming the world’s most customer-centric air cargo service brand and solidifying Hong Kong’s status as a leading global air cargo hub.
The state-of-the-art A350F freighters, scheduled for delivery starting in 2027, will boast superior fuel efficiency and offer a range of up to 4,700 nautical miles, enabling Cathay Cargo to connect Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland with long-haul destinations in North and South America, Europe, and beyond. This expansion will further enhance the company’s extensive network and strengthen Hong Kong’s position as the world’s number one air cargo hub.
This latest order brings the Cathay Group’s total new aircraft deliveries to 77, solidifying its commitment to modernizing its fleet and providing superior air cargo services. The existing freighter fleet comprises 20 Boeing 747s, including 14 B747-8Fs and six B747-400ERFs. Cathay Cargo leverages the extensive passenger network of the Cathay Group for belly capacity, offering cargo services to approximately 80 destinations worldwide.
“As we move into 2024, our rebuild journey is gaining momentum. This order marks another major component in our investment for the future. It reflects Cathay’s confidence in the Hong Kong hub as we look ahead to the opportunities provided by the Three-Runway System. These highly fuel-efficient, next-generation freighters will provide important additional cargo capacity, expand our global network and contribute to our sustainability leadership goals,” according to Ronald Lam, Cathay Group Chief Executive Officer.
The Cathay Group is also set to receive 21 Boeing 777-9 wide-body passenger aircraft from 2025 onwards and a total of 49 Airbus A320neo and A321neo aircraft by 2029. These continuous investments demonstrate the Group’s unwavering commitment to innovation, sustainability, and providing world-class air cargo services.
This new order marks a significant step forward for Cathay Cargo, solidifying its position as a leader in the global air cargo industry and contributing to the continued growth of Hong Kong as a major aviation hub.