Overview
- Cathay Pacific exercised its purchase rights for 14 additional Boeing 777-9 aircraft, marking its first Boeing jet order since 2013 and bringing its total firm 777-9 commitment to 35 units with options for seven more.
- The $8.1 billion deal at list prices secures first deliveries from 2027 through 2034 and is set to replace the airline’s fleet of 777-300ERs on long-haul and select regional routes.
- Alex McGowan, Cathay’s chief operations and service delivery officer, said Boeing’s 777X programme is making “great progress” in flight testing with a fifth test aircraft now flying.
- In its H1 financial report, Cathay posted a 1 percent profit rise to HK$3.65 billion driven by growing passenger numbers and lower fuel costs but warned of falling yields and an uncertain cargo market.
- The order aligns with Cathay’s broader fleet renewal strategy focused on sustainability goals, customer experience upgrades and network expansion from its Hong Kong hub.