Airlines Cathay Group orders 30 A330-900 aircraft

After a thorough fleet evaluation by Cathay Pacific, the Group has decided to renew its widebody fleet with the Airbus A330-900, the latest variant of the popular A330 programme. A firm order has been placed with the European manufacturer and represents a large step in Cathay’s mid-size widebody aircraft modernisation programme.

The new aircraft will be the successor of the previous-generation A330-300, of which Cathay currently has 43 aircraft of with an average age of 16 years. The A330-900 is the NEO variant of the A330 frame, meaning that new Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines will lead to more sustainable, efficient and quiet operations for the future. Furthermore, the A330neo features new aerodynamical winglets that reduce fuel consumption.

Ronald Lam, Cathay Group Chief Executive Officer commented regarding this new aircraft order: “As Cathay completes the final stretch of its rebuilding journey, we are turning the page to modernisation and growth, both in terms of scope and quality. We are delighted to announce this new order for state-of-the-art A330neo aircraft. This substantial investment reflects not only our immense confidence in Hong Kong’s leading international aviation hub status, but also represents our commitment to fostering our home city’s ongoing development.”

Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Executive Officer, Commercial Aircraft added: "This latest order from Cathay, one of the world’s most experienced A330 operators, is a major endorsement of the latest generation A330neo. It is the natural successor for existing A330 fleets, bringing the highest levels of technical and operational commonality, and significant reductions in fuel consumption and carbon emissions. In addition, the award-winning Airspace cabin provides a whole new flight experience.”

Cathay has been operating the A330 for nearly 30 years and it has been the perfect fit for routes in the Asia region, while also allowing the flexibility to send the aircraft on longer-haul routes worldwide. The airline also has aircraft from the A320 Family and the A350-900 on order and already in operation.