Hong Kong airline Cathay Pacific is facing a potentially significant expansion of its fleet. The airline has asked both Airbus and Boeing for proposals for its next aircraft order, which includes the Airbus A350, the Boeing 787 family and possible additional Boeing 777X aircraft. This request for proposals (RFP) could set the course for Cathay Pacific's future and result in a significant investment in the modernization of its long-haul fleet.
According to a Bloomberg report citing sources familiar with the matter, Cathay Pacific has given specific requests to Airbus and Boeing to submit proposals for new long-haul aircraft. The exact number of aircraft and the final composition of the order have not yet been determined, but the size of the order is expected to be expanded with additional options, which could make the deal even bigger.
The airline already has 72 aircraft in its firm order book, including 57 wide-body aircraft: 30 Airbus A330-900s, six Airbus A350Fs and 21 Boeing 777-9s. The Airbus A350 in particular has become increasingly important in recent years, and Cathay Pacific only confirmed in December 2023 the order for 20 additional Airbus A350Fs to join the fleet from 2027. This model range is known for its efficiency and range, making it a preferred choice for long-haul flights.
Latest orders and investments in the future
Cathay Pacific's latest order was announced in August 2024, when the airline secured 30 Airbus A330-900s and 30 options for the same model. These aircraft are expected to enter regional service from 2028, primarily operating on routes within Asia. The order of these aircraft represents a clear step towards long-term fleet expansion and modernization.
"With orders spanning narrow and wide aircraft, regional aircraft, long-haul aircraft and large freighters, these investments promise a comprehensive modernization of Cathay Pacific's fleet that will take us to the next level," the airline said in a statement. These orders are intended to help strengthen Cathay Pacific's competitiveness in Asia and beyond.
Refurbishment of the cabins and focus on customer comfort
In parallel with the aircraft orders, Cathay Pacific has also made significant efforts to improve the passenger experience. In October 2024, for example, the new "Aria Suites" were unveiled, an innovative business class cabin first installed on the airline's Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. The Aria Suites offer passengers a whole new dimension of comfort, privacy and personal space. These cabins are designed to increase customer satisfaction and position Cathay Pacific as a leading airline in the region.
Lavinia Lau, Cathay Pacific's Chief Customer and Commercial Officer, stressed that the airline wants to think far beyond simply transporting passengers. She said: "The launch of Aria Suites is just one part of our comprehensive strategy to invest in the future. Cathay Pacific is deeply embedded in Hong Kong's identity as a global hub, and we are confident that our investments in fleet, cabin products and digital innovations will strengthen Hong Kong as an aviation hub."
Post-pandemic recovery: Cathay Pacific on the rise
Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic and political unrest in Hong Kong, which have dampened the airline's growth in recent years, Cathay Pacific is showing early signs of recovery. In 2024, the airline was able to carry 22,8 million passengers, an increase of 26,9% compared to the previous year. However, the figure is far below the levels of 2018 and 2019, when Cathay Pacific transported around 35 million passengers annually.
At an analyst conference in early January 2024, Cathay Pacific stated that it expects strong financial performance in the second half of 2024 as demand in the cargo business continues and fuel prices have been reduced. A major goal is to reach 2025% of pre-pandemic frequencies by January 100 and to fly to 2025 destinations worldwide by the end of 100.
Even though Cathay Pacific is making progress, Hong Kong Airport remains challenged in an increasingly competitive Asian market. Singapore Changi Airport in particular has continued to establish itself as one of the leading hubs in the region. Hong Kong has taken an important step with the expansion of the airport and the introduction of the three-runway system, but competition from other Asian countries remains noticeable. Cathay Pacific must therefore not only invest in its fleet, but also continue to expand its range of services in order to maintain its leading role.