Cathay Cargo has recently revealed its strategic move in selecting the next-generation Airbus A350F freighter to fulfill its future fleet requirements.
This decision, encompassing an initial order for six aircraft and an option for an additional 20, underscores Cathay’s commitment to excellence in air cargo services.
Scheduled for delivery from 2027 onwards, these new state-of-the-art widebody freighters are poised to fortify Hong Kong’s position as the preeminent air cargo hub globally.
By enhancing cargo connectivity between Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland, and the rest of the world, Cathay aims to solidify its standing as an indispensable player in the air cargo industry.
Cathay Group CEO Comments
Ronald Lam, Cathay Group Chief Executive Officer, expressed optimism about the future, stating, “As we move into 2024, our rebuild journey is gaining momentum.”
“This order is a pivotal investment for the future, reflecting Cathay’s confidence in the Hong Kong hub and anticipating the opportunities presented by the Three-Runway System.”
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Emphasizing the environmental impact of their decision, Lam added, “These highly fuel-efficient, next-generation freighters will provide crucial additional cargo capacity, expand our global network, and contribute significantly to our sustainability leadership goals.”
Long-Haul Connectivity
The Airbus A350F freighters are strategically positioned to link Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland with long-haul destinations in North and South America, as well as Europe.
This move not only serves Cathay’s expansion goals but also reinforces its role in facilitating global trade and connectivity.
Airbus A350F: Setting a New Standard
Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of International, highlighted the significance of Cathay’s choice, stating,
“There’s a new standard in the cargo space, and we are gratified that such a savvy global air-cargo operator as Cathay has joined the growing number of reference players in the air-freight industry selecting the A350F.”
Cathay Cargo’s Current Fleet
Cathay Cargo currently operates a fleet of 20 Boeing 747 freighters, including 14 B747-8Fs and six B747-400ERFs.
In addition to its freighter capacity, Cathay Cargo leverages the Cathay Group’s extensive passenger network to provide belly capacity, serving around 80 destinations worldwide.
Looking ahead, the Cathay Group’s order book includes 21 Boeing 777-9 wide-body passenger aircraft scheduled for delivery from 2025 and a total of 49 Airbus A320neo and A321neo aircraft expected to be delivered by 2029.
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