Cathay Pacific Orders New Aircraft

Cathay Pacificc has confirmed it’s ordered an additional 32 Airbus A320neo family aircraft, including the A321neo series.

The 32 total units are part of an initial order placed for the series in 2017, with the commitments becoming essential to Cathay’s long-term narrowbody missions.

Some of these aircraft will be deployed towards HK Express, a key subsidiary of the Cathay Pacific Group. HK Express has a fleet of 28 in-service aircraft with an average age of 6.9 years.

Operating out of the Cathay Group’s base at the heart of Asia, the A320neo family will enable it to expand its services across the region with a most efficient single aisle fleet and a positive passenger comfort differentiation. With a significant reduction in fuel consumption, the aircraft will also bring an immediate contribution to the Cathay Group’s sustainability goals.

Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of International, Christian Scherer

Despite increases in production rates, delivery slots for the Airbus A320neo are far harder to attain than one may imagine, with Airbus citing that on numerous occasions, deliveries of jets may take up to 6 years as they continue to work through their backlog.

When delivered, the initial plan is for the aircraft to be deployed towards both Chinese mainland destinations alongside other locations within Asia. These will be confirmed later and closer to the arrival of the first unit as part of this batch intended for HK Express.

Overall, the announced deal continues an ongoing investment in modernising the fleet at the Cathay Group and doubles total orders for the A320neo family to 64 units; only 13 have been delivered thus far.