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Article - Airline

Cathay Group orders 30 Airbus A330neos, commits to investments worth more than HKD $100 billion

by Jeffrey Teruel - Founder/Editor-Flights in Asia
Published on August 07, 2024

Summary

As the Cathay Group announced a commitment of investments worth more than HKD $100 billion (~USD 12.8 billion), Airbus has announced a new order for Airbus A330neos from the Hong Kong-based airline group.



As the Cathay Group announced a commitment of investments worth more than HKD $100 billion (~USD 12.8 billion), Airbus has announced a new order for Airbus A330neos from the Hong Kong-based airline group.


Part of its announcement investment plans, the Cathay Group has placed a firm order for 30 A330-900s with Airbus along with additional rights to acquire 30 more of the widebody aircraft in the future.


Scheduled to be delivered from 2028, the A330neos will be used to expand its operations on high capacity regional routes. 


The A330neos will also continue the use of A330 family of aircraft as part of of the Cathay Group's fleet. According to planespotters.net, Cathay Pacific currently operates a fleet of over 30 of A330-300s.


“The A330 is an aircraft type that has been serving Cathay Pacific well for nearly 30 years,” said Ronald Lam, Cathay Group Chief Executive Officer. “These new aircraft will principally serve our regional destinations in Asia, while also providing the flexibility to serve longer-haul destinations as required. The improved fuel efficiency of these A330neos, together with their high standards of comfort, will enable us to further elevate the experience we provide for our customers while also contributing towards our goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.”


With the newly announced aircraft order, the Cathay Group now has more than 100 new-generation aircraft on its delivery pipeline and rights to acquire over 80 additional aircraft in the future.


Investments Worth HKD $100 Billion 


Coinciding with the new Airbus aircraft order, the Cathay Group's newly announcement commitment for its +HKD $100 billion investments will include updates to its fleet, cabin products, lounges, and digital and sustainability leadership.  


Along with elevating its customer experience, the Cathay Group's investments will also help strengthen Hong Kong's international aviation hub status with the Hong Kong International Airport's Three-Runway System.


“With the Three-Runway System soon to propel Hong Kong’s aviation sector into a new age, the coming years are going to be an incredibly exciting time for Hong Kong and for Cathay with ample new opportunities to grow,” said Cathay Group Chair Patrick Healy. “As the city’s home airline, we are a key contributor towards the future success of the Hong Kong international aviation hub. Our substantial investments further demonstrate our unwavering commitment to fostering Hong Kong’s ongoing economic development.”


Healy added: “With over HK$100 billion being invested in our fleet, cabin products, airport lounges and more, we are firmly turning the page and embarking on a bold new strategy for the future, not just in scope but also in quality. Cathay is entering an exciting new era underpinned by our determination to become one of the world’s greatest service brands.” 

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