Hong Kong Carrier Takes Ten Long-Range Boeings, 15 Mid-Size
Airbus Airliners
Hong-Kong-based Cathay Pacific Airways has ordered a total of 25
new airplanes last week, including 10 Boeing 777-300ER
(extended range) airplanes and 15 Airbus A330-300s.
Cathay Pacific first announced its selection of the 777-300ER
for its fleet requirements in 2005. With this order, Cathay Pacific
will increase its Boeing 777-300ER planned fleet from 36 to 46
(including 4 leased). It's the fifth increase in its acquisition
plans for the long-range jetliner.
"Cathay Pacific is a world-class carrier and a valued long-time
partner. It has made the 777-300ER the foundation of its
significant fleet enhancement for long-haul routes," said Marlin
Dailey, vice president of Sales & Marketing for Boeing
Commercial Airplanes. "The 777-300ER will as always provide
superior operating efficiency, economics and reliability, as well
as a very comfortable cabin experience for the passenger."
Cathay Pacific uses the Boeing 777-300ER as the backbone for its
ultra-long-haul and long-haul fleet, mainly serving destinations in
North America and Europe. "The Asia Pacific region is the world's
fastest growing aviation market and Cathay Pacific is well
positioned in Hong Kong to take advantage of this blooming market
to grow our business," said Cathay Pacific Chief Executive Officer
Tony Tyler. "Our newest 777 order highlights our continued
commitment to developing Hong Kong's role as one of the world's
leading international aviation hubs. As we continue to expand our
fleet, the 777-300ER will play a crucial role in our operations in
the years to come."
The airline has also placed a firm order with Airbus for 15 more
A330-300s. Scheduled for delivery from 2013, the aircraft will join
the airline's existing A330 fleet flying on services across the
Asia-Pacific region. As with the airline's existing A330 fleet, the
newly ordered aircraft will be powered by Trent 700 engines from
Rolls-Royce.
"The A330 has proved itself to be an extremely efficient and
versatile aircraft for Cathay Pacific, flying on Asian regional
services and longer operations to the Middle East and Australia,"
said Tony Tyler, Chief Executive, Cathay Pacific Airways. "Our
latest order reflects our confidence that the A330 will continue to
meet our needs well into the future, both economically and
operationally, as a key part of our fleet."
"The latest order from Cathay Pacific underscores the position
of the A330 as the most popular mid-size widebody flying today,"
said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer - Customers, Airbus. "The
proven reliability, low operating costs and strong passenger appeal
offered by the A330 will ensure that it remains the most efficient
aircraft in its class for many years to come."
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