Cathay Pacific Airways is actively exploring options for new orders of mid-sized widebody aircraft. This move comes as part of Cathay’s ongoing efforts to renew its fleet, a process that has seen a flurry of activity in recent times.
According to a Bloomberg report on Wednesday, Cathay Pacific has reached out to both Airbus and Boeing for new aircraft. This step marks the beginning of what could be a significant purchase process aimed at replacing some of the airline’s older mid-sized widebody jets. It’s a clear indication that Cathay is gearing up for a major upgrade to its fleet.
In a statement to Reuters, Cathay Pacific expressed its intention to acquire a “versatile, mid-sized widebody aircraft” that can serve a variety of purposes and bolster both its passenger and cargo business. This strategic move was first hinted at by the airline in late 2022, signaling its forward-thinking approach to fleet management.
Current Fleet Status and Future Replacements
As of June 30, 2023, Cathay’s fleet includes 43 A330s, averaging nearly 15 years old. Looking ahead, potential replacements for these aging aircraft could include newer generation models like the Airbus A330neos, A350s, and Boeing 787s. These modern aircraft are known for their efficiency and versatility, aligning with Cathay’s operational needs.
Cathay Pacific’s proactive fleet strategy was evident last month when the airline placed a firm order for six A350 freighters, with an option to acquire 20 more. This decision aligns with its plan to phase out older Boeing 747 cargo jets. Further showcasing its commitment to fleet renewal, in September 2023, Cathay ordered 32 Airbus A320neo and A321neo single-aisle aircraft, expected to be delivered by 2029.
The airline’s order book is impressive, featuring more than 70 aircraft. This includes 21 Boeing 777-9 passenger planes, with deliveries starting from 2025. Such a diverse and extensive order book demonstrates Cathay’s dedication to modernizing its fleet and enhancing its operational capabilities.
Recovery and Growth Post-Pandemic
Cathay Pacific has been focused on rebuilding its capacity to pre-pandemic levels, aiming to achieve this goal by the end of 2024. As of June, its cargo operations were functioning at 72% of their 2019 capacity, and passenger capacity had recovered to 57% of pre-pandemic levels. This steady progress reflects the airline’s resilience and commitment to growth in the post-pandemic era.
First love never dies. I fell in love with airplanes and aviation when I was a kid. My dream was to become a pilot, but destiny led me to another path: to be an aviation digital media content creator and a small business owner. My passion for aviation inspires me to bring you quality content through my website and social accounts. Aviation is indeed in my blood and blog!
