Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific has decided to order six Airbus A350F cargo aircraft. In the passenger sector, the carrier is already a major A350 operator. 

“Looking ahead to 2024, our restructuring is gaining more and more momentum. This order is another important part of our investment in the future. It reflects Cathay's confidence in the Hong Kong hub as we look to the opportunities offered by the three-lane system. These highly fuel-efficient, next-generation cargo aircraft will provide important additional cargo capacity, expand our global route network and contribute to our leading sustainability goals,” said Ronald Lam, Chief Executive Officer of Cathay Group. 

Cathay is already one of the largest operators of the A350, with a current fleet of 47 aircraft. These include both the A350-900 and the A350-1000, which are primarily used in the carrier's long-haul network. In the future, this type of machine will also be used in the cargo sector. Initially, six units are being rolled out under the Cathay Cargo brand. 

“There is a new standard in cargo and we are pleased that such an accomplished global air cargo operator like Cathay has joined the growing number of reference companies in the air cargo industry that have chosen the A350F,” said Airbus CCO Christian Scherer. “The aircraft will fit seamlessly into Cathay’s existing A350 passenger fleet while reducing operating costs to levels never before achieved in the increasingly competitive cargo markets. At the same time, the aircraft will significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions and thus make a direct contribution to sustainability goals.”