Fleet expansion. Photo: Cathay Pacific Hong Kong's Cathay Group has placed a firm order for 14 additional Airbus aircraft, expanding its fleet renewal plans with 11 A330-900 widebody jets and three A321neo narrowbody aircraft.
The latest order includes 11 Airbus A330-900s, increasing Cathay's total firm commitment for the aircraft type to 41. The airline had previously ordered 30 A330neos in 2024.
The three additional A321neos build on an earlier order for 32 A321neo and A320neo aircraft placed in 2023, further expanding the group's narrowbody fleet.
Cathay said the new aircraft will support both regional services across Asia-Pacific and longer-haul operations, while improving passenger comfort and contributing to its sustainability targets.
Alex McGowan, Cathay's Chief Operations and Service Delivery Officer, said the additional aircraft would allow the group to expand and upgrade its fleet while providing greater flexibility across its network. He also highlighted their role in strengthening connectivity through Hong Kong, the airline's main hub.
Airbus welcomed the order, describing it as an endorsement of the capabilities of both aircraft families. Benoit de Saint-Exupery, Airbus Executive Vice President of Sales for Commercial Aircraft, said the A330-900 and A321neo would give Cathay greater flexibility to match capacity with demand while benefiting from lower fuel consumption and the efficiencies of operating an Airbus fleet.
The A330-900 is powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines and has a published range of up to 8,100 nautical miles, or approximately 15,000 kilometers. Airbus says the A330neo offers a 25% reduction in fuel consumption, CO₂ emissions and operating costs compared with previous-generation competitor aircraft.
The aircraft also features Airbus' Airspace cabin, designed to improve the onboard experience for passengers and crew.
Meanwhile, the A321neo is the largest member of the A320neo family. Airbus says the aircraft family delivers at least 20% fuel savings and CO₂ emission reductions compared with previous-generation single-aisle aircraft.