Cathay Pacific is evaluating its next major aircraft order, requesting proposals from Airbus and Boeing for new widebody jets. The airline is considering options from the Airbus A350 family, the Boeing 787 series, and possibly expanding its Boeing 777X fleet.
This move comes as Cathay Pacific continues to recover from the pandemic, modernizing its fleet and enhancing passenger experience while striving to regain its status as a major Asian aviation hub.
Cathay Pacific’s Request for Proposals (RFP)
According to Bloomberg, Cathay Pacific has approached both Airbus and Boeing to submit proposals for a new widebody aircraft order. While the exact number of aircraft is yet to be determined, the deal could include additional purchase options.
Potential Aircraft Under Consideration:
- Airbus A350 Family (A350-900 or A350-1000)
- Boeing 787 Series (Likely 787-9 or 787-10)
- Boeing 777X (Possibly more 777-9 orders)
Cathay Pacific already has a backlog of 72 aircraft, with 57 widebodies, including:
- 30 Airbus A330-900s (ordered August 2024, deliveries from 2028)
- 6 Airbus A350 Freighters (A350F) (first deliveries expected in 2027)
- 21 Boeing 777-9s (part of its long-haul fleet renewal)
These new aircraft orders will help strengthen Cathay Pacific’s global operations and reinforce Hong Kong as a leading international transit hub.
Cathay Pacific’s Recent Fleet Investments
Cathay Pacific has been actively upgrading its fleet and customer experience to remain competitive.
A330-900 Order for Regional Routes
In August 2024, the airline confirmed an order for 30 Airbus A330-900s (with 30 additional options). These aircraft will replace older A330-300s and be used for regional flights across Asia starting in 2028.
A350 Freighters to Modernize Cargo Operations
In December 2023, Cathay finalized an order for 6 Airbus A350F freighters, with options for up to 20 additional units. These aircraft will replace older Boeing 747 freighters and improve efficiency for Cathay Cargo. The first A350F delivery is scheduled for 2027.
21 Boeing 777-9s for Long-Haul Flights
Cathay Pacific has already committed to 21 Boeing 777-9s, which will be key to its long-haul fleet. The first delivery is expected in the coming years, aligning with Boeing’s 777X program timeline.
Cabin Upgrades: New Aria Suites on the 777-300ER
Beyond new aircraft, Cathay Pacific has invested in upgrading its existing cabins to improve passenger experience.
Aria Suites: A New Business Class Experience
In October 2024, the airline introduced Aria Suites, a redesigned business class cabin on its Boeing 777-300ERs. The first flight with Aria Suites took off from Hong Kong to Beijing on October 18, 2024.
Key Features of Aria Suites:
- Fully enclosed suites for privacy
- High-end materials and craftsmanship
- Enhanced comfort and space
- Personalized in-flight experience
Cathay Pacific’s Chief Customer & Commercial Officer, Lavinia Lau, emphasized the company’s commitment to elevating customer experience, stating:
“Cathay Pacific has placed customer experience at the heart of the design of its new Business class. Artistry and craftsmanship have gone into every detail to create an immersive experience where comfort and privacy are reimagined.”
Cathay Pacific’s Financial Recovery & Future Plans
Passenger Growth & Market Challenges
Cathay Pacific carried 22.8 million passengers in 2024, marking a 26.9% year-on-year increase. However, this is far below pre-pandemic levels:
- 2018: 35.4 million passengers
- 2019: 35.2 million passengers
While Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) continues its recovery, Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) and other regional hubs have gained more prominence, making it crucial for Cathay Pacific to reassert its dominance.
Strong Outlook for 2025
During an analyst briefing on January 9, 2025, Cathay Pacific shared its financial outlook:
- A strong H2 2024 financial performance was expected.
- Cargo demand was elevated, helping boost revenue.
- Fuel prices declined, reducing operating costs.
- Passenger yields were normalizing, impacting profitability.
Cathay Pacific plans to return to full pre-pandemic capacity in early 2025, operating:
- 100% of pre-pandemic flight frequencies by January 2025
- Flights to 100 destinations worldwide by the end of 2025
A Pivotal Year for Cathay Pacific
Cathay Pacific’s widebody aircraft decision will play a key role in its future strategy. The airline’s focus on fleet modernization, cabin upgrades, and network expansion reflects its commitment to regaining market strength.
While the competition from other Asian hubs remains fierce, Cathay’s significant investments—including a HK$100 billion ($12.8 billion) commitment over seven years—highlight its long-term confidence in Hong Kong’s aviation future.
By 2025, Cathay Pacific aims to fully restore pre-pandemic operations, making this next aircraft order one of its most crucial decisions in years.
