Boeing and Cathay Pacific Airways have finalised an agreement for the purchase of 10 Boeing 747-8 Freighters and seven 777-300ERs by the airline.
This is the first order for the newest 747 Freighter version by Cathay Pacific, which currently operates 19 747 family freighters. Cathay Pacific is the sixth largest cargo carrier by revenue-tonne-kilometers in the world, and the third largest in Asia, according to 2006 data.
Cathay Pacific is placing its fourth order for the 777-300ER, bringing its total commitment to 30 777-300ERs, including announced agreements for third-party leases. The carrier received its first 777-300ER in September and is placing the aircraft on routes serving North America and Europe.
Meanwhile, Cathay also signed a contract with Airbus to further expand its A330 widebody fleet with the addition of eight A330-300 aircraft. The new aircraft, powered by Rolls Royce Trent 700 engines, are scheduled for delivery before the end of 2012.
The Hong Kong-based carrier, together with sister airline Dragonair, is currently the largest operator of A330 aircraft in the world with a fleet of 45 A330-300s. Together with three leased A330-300s scheduled for delivery in 2008, this latest order will bring the airlines’ combined A330-300 fleet to a total of 56 by 2012.
Meanwhile, Tyler said the Airbus A380 will not join Cathay Pacific’s fleet due to its limited range and limited cargo capacity. The carrier would only reconsider the aircraft for its trans-Pacific routes if Airbus offered a longer range version of the aircraft. Tyler said Cathay is still choosing between Airbus’ A350 and Boeing’s 787.