Cathay Pacific to buy 11 Airbus aircraft for US$5.1 billion

Hong Kong's flagship carrier, Cathay Pacific, has increased its fleet by ordering 14 new regional aircraft from Airbus. The airline exercised its purchase rights for 11 additional Airbus A330-900 widebody aircraft, extending the total to 41 A330neo variants ordered in 2024. These new planes will replace existing aircraft on regional Asian routes and eventually enable longer-haul operations.

The aircraft feature enhanced fuel efficiency and are scheduled to be delivered between 2031 and 2035. Cathay Pacific paid a discounted price for each aircraft, expected to be below the basic price of approximately $5.11 billion. Additionally, the carrier secured purchase rights for three extra Airbus A321neo jets, complementing the 32 A321neo and A320neo aircraft previously ordered in 2023.

These new A321neo planes will bolster Cathay's budget subsidiary, HK Express, focusing on Chinese Mainland and short-haul routes. With these recent additions, Cathay Pacific anticipates a total of 120 new aircraft deliveries by 2026, moving closer to its goal of 150 new aircraft deliveries.