Cathay Group targets 300 aircraft by 2036

B-LRF - A350-900 - Cathay Pacific - BRU

Cathay Group outlined plans to expand its fleet to around 300 aircraft over the next 10 years during a press conference following the publication of its 2026 interim results. 

It expects 150 new aircraft, split equally between growth and replacement, subject to favourable market conditions. 

The group has 105 firm orders and expects further commitments to reach the target. 

Its current commitments include thirty-five B777-9s and thirty A330-900Ns for Cathay Pacific (CX, Hong Kong International) and eight A350Fs for Cathay Cargo. 

The first B777-9 remains due in the second half of 2027, while the A350F, which was originally due in 2027, is expected to be around six months late.

CH Aviation / Ton Jochems

SPECIAL STICKER - Cathay Pacific / A350-900 / B-LRP - 80yrs stkr

Ton Jochems - BRU
 

SPECIAL COLOURS - CATHAY PACIFIC / B777-300ER / B-KQU - "Spirit of Hong Kong – 80th Anniversary Edition

Photos: Tokyo Sakura
 

SPECIAL COLOURS - Cathay and WKCDA Unveil “Spirit of Hong Kong” New Aircraft Livery Showcases Hong Kong’s Cultural Vibrancy to the World

Cathay and the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority (“WKCDA” or the “Authority”) have joined hands to unveil a striking new art-focused aircraft livery, “Spirit of Hong Kong – 80th Anniversary Edition”. This collaboration marks a significant milestone for two of Hong Kong’s most recognised home-grown brands, underscoring their shared commitment to supporting local cultural creativity and elevating the city’s arts and culture on the global stage.

Cathay has been WestK’s Travel Partner since 2023, supporting its world-class arts and cultural exhibitions and performing arts programmes through the provision of passenger and cargo services. Coinciding with Cathay’s 80th anniversary this year, the new art livery ingeniously combines WestK’s “Where Art Comes Alive” brand vision with Cathay’s commitment to creating an elevated and meaningful customer experience under its “Move Beyond” ethos, further solidifying both parties' shared long-term commitment to advancing the development of Hong Kong’s arts, culture and creative industries.

An unveiling ceremony for the new livery was held today at Hong Kong International Airport, officiated by Bernard Chan, Chairman of the Board, WKCDA; Ronald Lam, Chief Executive Officer, Cathay Group; Betty Fung, Chief Executive Officer, WKCDA; Lavinia Lau, Chief Customer and Commercial Officer, Cathay; and Joyce Ho, Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Corporate Development), WKCDA. Other distinguished guests include Steven Yiu, Executive Director, Airport Operations of Airport Authority Hong Kong, and renowned host and artist Do Do Cheng, who was the host for the “WestK in the Sky” video collaboration between Cathay and WestK.

Bernard Chan, Chairman of the Board of the WKCDA, said, “As one of the world’s leading cultural arts hubs, WestK has strived to expand its network of partnerships, implementing its dual ‘bringing in’ and ‘going global’ strategies to foster Hong Kong’s development into an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. Since 2023, Cathay has served as WestK’s Travel Partner, supporting our exhibitions, performing arts programmes and cultural events. The launch of the Spirit of Hong Kong livery highlights our shared vision to support Hong Kong’s outstanding artists and creations and to bring Hong Kong’s arts, culture, and creative prowess onto the global stage. Spirit of Hong Kong embodies WestK’s vision of transcending boundaries and connecting the world, inviting travellers from across the globe to immerse themselves in Hong Kong’s profound cultural heritage and boundless creative spirit.”

Ronald Lam, Cathay Group Chief Executive Officer, said, “For eight decades, Cathay has grown alongside Hong Kong. As we mark ‘80 Years Together’ with our home city, we are honouring our heritage with the return of our classic ‘lettuce leaf sandwich’ livery on our Airbus A350 and Boeing 747 aircraft, while also embracing the future with a vibrant modern art livery on our Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.

“In partnership with WKCDA and through ‘The Spirit of Hong Kong’ livery, we aim to support outstanding local artistic creativity and showcase the unique culture and spirit of Hong Kong to audiences around the world. Through our investment of well over HK$100 billion into our fleet, cabin products, lounges and digital innovation, we will continue to win hearts and strengthen Hong Kong’s status as a leading international aviation hub — moving our city, customers and team forward together.”

Showcasing Hong Kong’s creative talent in the skies

Cathay Pacific’s Boeing 777-300ER aircraft adorned with the Spirit of Hong Kong livery is inspired by Cathay Pacific’s award-winning “Gallery in the Skies” concept in its Business class cabins. The livery features an innovative artwork by Hong Kong multimedia artist Victor Wong using technology that allows him to generate landscapes from geographical data he provides. As a centrepiece of Cathay’s 80th anniversary and a platform to showcase WestK’s artistic vision, the new livery transforms the aircraft into a flying canvas that takes people, cultures and ideas forward while bringing fresh inspiration to the city. The livery carries both Cathay's “80 Years Together” anniversary mark and the WestK logo, representing a shared commitment to showcasing the essence of Hong Kong’s arts and culture to destinations around the world.

The Spirit of Hong Kong art livery aircraft entered service following today's unveiling ceremony. Passengers on the inaugural flight immersed themselves in a unique cultural experience upon boarding, including a newly reimagined rendition of Cathay’s sonic branding, Song of Cathay, performed by award-winning Hong Kong pianist, composer, arranger and music producer Patrick Lui. This piece, jointly presented by WestK and Cathay, has incorporated elements of modern jazz, offering travellers a refreshing and culturally rich prelude to their journey. The reimagined Song of Cathay will be available on specific Cathay Pacific passenger flights from mid-2026.

SPECIAL COLOURS - To celebrate its 80th anniversary this year, Cathay Pacific adorned its A350 with the iconic "lettuce leaf sandwich" livery, paying homage to the classic green and white stripe design from the airline's early years.

 Cathay Pacific

SPECIAL COLOURS - Cathay Pacific celebrates 80 years of flights with retro "lettuce sandwich" themed livery. The airline's iconic green and white livery will return after 32 years on an Airbus A350 and a Boeing 747 freighter.

The Airbus A350-900, registration B-LRJ, entered service sporting the airline's classic "letter sandwich" livery, used in the 1970s and 1980s. The aircraft will be followed by a Cathay Cargo Boeing 747, which is currently undergoing repairs and will be unveiled in the coming weeks.

 

ROUTES - CATHAY PACIFIC NW25 361-SEATER 777-300ER OPERATIONS – 17AUG25

Photo: Flyingphotos

Cathay Pacific in recent schedule update filed planned 361-seater 777-300ER operations for Northern winter 2025/26 season. As of 17AUG25, the new 3-class aircraft featuring Aria Suite is scheduled to service following routes between 26OCT25 and 28MAR26.

Hong Kong – London Heathrow CX255/250
Hong Kong – Melbourne CX163/178
Hong Kong – Sapporo New Chitose 26OCT25 – 31DEC25 CX580/581 (5 weekly in November)
Hong Kong – Sydney CX101/100
Hong Kong – Tokyo Haneda eff 01JAN26 CX548/549
Hong Kong – Vancouver CX888/865

Further changes, including assignment on additional routes, can be expected in the next few weeks.

 

ORDER - Cathay Pacific Orders 14 More Boeing 777-9 Passenger Jets

- Long-time 777 operator to expand and renew fleet with fuel-efficient 777-9 widebody jets

- Order makes Cathay Pacific the largest 777-9 operator in Asia Pacific

HONG KONG, Aug. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Cathay Pacific today announced the Hong Kong-based carrier is ordering 14 more 777-9 passenger jets, bringing its order book to 35 of the world's largest twin-engine airplane.

Designed to reduce fuel use and emissions on average by 20% and noise by 40% compared to the airplanes it replaces, the 777-9 will enable Cathay Pacific to efficiently meet growing air travel demand across key global markets.

"We plan to expand and renew our fleet with the additional 777-9 aircraft, enabling us to continue our rich history of connecting the world with our Hong Kong hub," said Ronald Lam, Cathay Group Chief Executive Officer. "Cathay Pacific aims to further strengthen our ongoing partnership with Boeing and leverage the world-class features of the new 777-9 as we strive to become the world's best premium airline."

Cathay Pacific has grown its global network with the Boeing 777 family over the past 30 years. The addition of the latest model, the 777-9, will further reduce the airline's operating costs as it modernizes its fleet and expands passenger and cargo operations on long- and ultra long-haul routes.

"We are proud to support Cathay Pacific's continued leadership as one of the world's top airlines, and introduce the 777-9 as their future flagship airplane," said Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing. "This latest order demonstrates the value of the 777-9 and further strengthens the airline's tradition of delivering superb comfort, convenience and connectivity to passengers for years to come."

With a range of 7,295 nautical miles (13,510 km), the 777-9 will allow Cathay Pacific to connect passengers directly between Hong Kong and its global long-haul destinations. Customers around the world have ordered more than 550 777X airplanes, sustaining thousands of jobs at Boeing's Everett, Wash., site and across the supply chain.

A leading global aerospace company and top U.S. exporter, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. Our U.S. and global workforce and supplier base drive innovation, economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing is committed to fostering a culture based on our core values of safety, quality and integrity.

FLEET - Cathay Pacific signed an order with Airbus for up to 150 aircraft

Cathay Pacific signed an order with Airbus for up to 150 aircraft

64 A320neo family from 2026. 
6 A350F — plus 20 options — from 2027.
30 A330neos — plus 30 options — from 2028.

 

FLEET - Cathay Pacific expects its first two B777-9 in 2025, with the remaining 19 to follow from 2026 and beyond

Four A321neos are due in 2024, with 15 more due in 2026 and beyond, with the final number subject to reallocation between Cathay and HK Express. In 2024, three B777-300ERs will be returned, followed by two A330-300s and two B777-300ERs in 2025, and two A330-300s and four B777-300ERs in 2026.

Photo: Boeing

 

ROUTES - CATHAY PACIFIC JUNE 2024 UK SERVICE INCREASES

Cathay Pacific during the month of June 2024 is restoring additional frequencies to the UK, based on 
available flights for reservation. Latest schedule as of 23FEB24 as follows.

Hong Kong – London Heathrow All 35 weekly flights are available for reservation from 01JUN24 to 30JUN24

CX237 HKG0015 – 0615LHR 359 15

CX255 HKG0025 – 0620LHR 359 D

CX257 HKG0910 – 1515LHR 359 D

CX239 HKG1105 – 1810LHR 359 x15

CX253 HKG1440 – 2035LHR 359 D

CX251 HKG2355 – 0540+1LHR 77W D

CX252 LHR1220 – 0700+1HKG 77W D

CX238 LHR1700 – 1155+1HKG 359 D

CX250 LHR1820 – 1325+1HKG 359 D

CX256 LHR2010 – 1515+1HKG 359 D

CX254 LHR2215 – 1715+1HKG 359 D

Hong Kong – Manchester 5 of 7 weekly flights available for reservation from 01JUN24 to 30JUN24, instead of 4 of 7 weekly

CX219 HKG0115 – 0700MAN 359 x23

CX216 MAN1210 – 0645+1HKG 359 x23

Photo: Duncan Stewart 

 

CATHAY PACIFIC / A321 NX / D-AYAP msn 10191

Alain Charpentier

Cathay Pacific in advanced talks over B777X deferrals

 

Cathay Pacific (CX, Hong Kong Int'l) has confirmed that it is in advanced talks with Boeing regarding the deferral of its B777-9 orders beyond 2023.

"On January 27, 2021, Boeing announced a delay of the 777X programme with delivery of the first aircraft expected in late 2023. Cathay Pacific is in advanced negotiations with regard to the deferral of its B777-9 deliveries," the airline said in its annual financial report.

Cathay Pacific did not provide any further details regarding a revised delivery timeline. It has a total of twenty-one B777-9s on firm order from the manufacturer.

The airline also said that it increased the impairment charge related to aircraft unlikely to return to "meaningful economic activity" from HKD2.46 billion Hong Kong dollars (USD317 million) announced in mid-2020 to HKD2.87 billion (USD370 million).

"At half-year, we have impaired 16 aircraft. This has increased to 34 by the end of the year. We look at whether the aircraft are likely to re-enter meaningful economic service before they are retired, or their leases expire. As a result of this assessment, we have concluded we needed to impair a further 18 aircraft," Chief Financial Officer Rebecca Sharpe said during the investor briefing.

In the second half of the year, the airline formally returned three leased A320-200s, one leased A321-200, and three A330-300s, although the impairment also includes aircraft that remain in storage and have yet to be formally phased-out. Cathay Pacific said that as of December 31, 2020, it had 92 passenger aircraft operated by Cathay Pacific and low-cost carrier subsidiary HK Express in long-term storage at Alice Springs and Ciudad Real airports, where environmental conditions are more favourable for aircraft maintenance.

Despite the ongoing cuts, the airline took delivery of two A321-200Ns, three A350-900s, and one A350-1000 for the mainline, and four A320-200Ns for HK Express in the second half of 2020. The carrier agreed with Airbus to extend deliveries of the remaining three A350-900s and five -1000s, originally due to complete in 2021, through 2023. It also extended the delivery time frame of its thirty A321neo for Cathay Pacific and HK Express, which had been planned to complete in 2023, through 2025.

Sharpe added that the airline evaluated that the aircraft due to return to lessors or be phased-out in the first half of 2022 carry a residual value of HKD800 million (USD103 million). Consequently, should the market recovery slip by six months, the airline would impair these aircraft as they would no longer return to service.

"We are confident in the numbers we presented in our results, we are doing just for transparency and awareness in these very uncertain times," Sharpe underlined.

The airline, which saw passenger demand plummet to below 10% of its pre-pandemic levels, posted a record loss of HKD13.86 billion (USD1.8 billion) in 2020. Almost 60% of its revenues last year came from the cargo sector, which in 2019 contributed less than a quarter of the group's total revenues.

ch aviation

Cathay Pacific July 2020 Long-Haul operations as of 01JUN20

By Jim Liu

Cathay Pacific in the last few days gradually filed changes to its schedule and inventory, as interim schedule extended to late-July 2020. For the month of July 2020, the airline continues to restore various long-haul flights, with additional frequencies added in the second half.
Planned changes as of 01JUN20 as follows. Further changes remain possible.

Hong Kong – Amsterdam 3 weekly A350-1000XWB (5 weekly from 18JUL20)
Hong Kong – Frankfurt 3 weekly A350-1000XWB (5 weekly from 20JUL20)
Hong Kong – London Heathrow 5 weekly A350-1000XWB (1 daily from 20JUL20)
Hong Kong – Los Angeles 4 weekly A350-1000XWB (1 daily from 15JUL20)
Hong Kong – Melbourne 3 weekly A350-1000XWB (4 weekly from 21JUL20)
Hong Kong – New York JFK 3 weekly 777-300ER
Hong Kong – Paris CDG eff 20JUL20 3 weekly A350-1000XWB
Hong Kong – San Francisco 3 weekly A350-900XWB (4 weekly from 18JUL20)
Hong Kong – Sydney 5 weekly A350-1000XWB (1 daily from 20JUL20)
Hong Kong – Toronto 3 weekly A350-1000XWB
Hong Kong – Vancouver 1 daily 777-300ER/A350-900XWB

Routes Online

Cathay Pacific extends B777-300(ER) leases, questions B777X

Cathay Pacific (CX, Hong Kong Int'l) has extended the dry-leases of a number of B777-300(ER)s from BOC Aviation by ten years in March 2020 as it ponders whether to take ordered B777-9s once they are available, the Seattle Times has reported.

Citing an unnamed senior executive at a leasing firm, the report said that Cathay Pacific was in talks with another lessor concerning extending another ten leases of B777-300(ER) for a further ten years.

"Unofficially, Cathay is saying it won’t take the 777Xs," the source said.

According to the ch-aviation fleets advanced module, Cathay Pacific currently operates fifty-one B777-300(ER)s, which are 8.1 years old on average. Thirty-one units are owned by the airline while the remainder is dry-leased from Nomura Babcock & Brown (nine units), BOC Aviation (four), Aviator Capital, Stratos (two each), Blackbird Capital, Doric Asset Finance, and ICBC Financial Leasing (one each). The airline has twenty-one B777-9s on firm order from Boeing.

The airline also operates seventeen owned B777-300s used on regional routes.

Cathay Pacific said it would not comment on speculation.

ch aviation

Cathay Pacific S20 Europe service changes as of 03JAN20

Cathay Pacific last week filed service changes to Europe for summer 2020 season, including service increase to Barcelona during peak season.

Hong Kong – Barcelona 04JUL20 – 30AUG20 Increase from 4 to 5 weekly. Additional flight operated by A350-900XWB

CX321 HKG0020 – 0735BCN 351 x246
CX321 HKG0020 – 0735BCN 359 6

CX318 BCN1300 – 0705+1HKG 359 6
CX318 BCN1320 – 0720+1HKG 351 x246

Already reflected in the airline’s inventory in the last few weeks, the airline last week adjusted operational schedule, based on comparison with summer 2019:



Hong Kong – Frankfurt eff 29MAR20 Reduce from 10 to 7 weekly
Hong Kong – Paris CDG eff 31MAY20 Reduce from 12 to 10 weekly

Routes Online

CATHAY PACIFIC - A350-100 - B-LXE

Ton Jochems - AMS

CATHAY PACIFIC - A350-1000 - B-LXD

Ton Jochems - AMS

Cathay Pacific moves forward A350-1000XWB Barcelona service to April 2019

Cathay Pacific in recent schedule update moved forward planned Airbus A350-1000XWB operation on Hong Kong – Barcelona route, now scheduled to begin on 07APR19. Initially, the A350-1000XWB operates once a week, increasing to 4 weekly from 02JUN19. The airline previously planned A350-1000XWB service from 02JUN19.

07APR19 – 31MAY19 359 Day 135 351 Day 7
02JUN19 – 25OCT19 351 Day x246
CX321 HKG0020 – 0735BCN 351 x246
CX318 BCN1320 – 0720+1HKG 351 x246

By Jim Liu

Cathay Pacific becomes second operator of the A350-1000 widebody

Increased capacity and highest levels of comfort for the airline’s longest flights
Cathay Pacific Airways has become the second airline to operate the A350-1000, the world’s newest long-range widebody airliner. The airline took delivery of the aircraft at a special event in Toulouse, France.

The aircraft is the first of 20 A350-1000s ordered by Cathay Pacific and will join the carrier’s growing fleet of A350 XWB aircraft, which already includes 22 A350-900s. Both aircraft are complementary and provide for maximum commonality with unmatched operating efficiencies, while offering passengers the highest levels of comfort in all classes. Travellers will benefit from absolute well-being in the cabin, with more personal space, optimised cabin altitude, more fresh air, controlled temperature and humidity, integrated connectivity and the latest-generation in-flight entertainment system.

With its true long-range capability, the A350-1000 will form an important part of Cathay Pacific long-haul operations. The aircraft will be deployed on the airline’s new non-stop route from Hong Kong to Washington D.C., representing the longest flight – approximately 17 hours – performed by 

any airline out of Hong Kong.

                             

Paul Loo, Cathay Pacific Chief Customer and Commercial Officer, said: “We already have one of the youngest long-haul fleets in the sky, and with the arrival of the A350-1000, our fleet is only going to get younger. The aircraft follows the successful entry of the A350-900 variant which has enabled us to expand our long-haul network at a near unprecedented rate. The A350-1000 has an incredible range, is remarkably fuel efficient and quiet, provides customers with an unsurpassed cabin environment and has extremely attractive operating economics.”

Eric Schulz, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer, said: “We are proud to deliver the A350-1000 to our long-standing customer Cathay Pacific. Bringing major advantages in fuel and cost efficiency along with unrivalled passenger comfort, the A350-1000 is the perfect platform for Cathay Pacific to increase capacity on some of its longest routes. The combination of the world’s newest widebody and Cathay Pacific’s world famous in-flight service will ensure that the airline can strengthen its position even further as one of the world’s leading international carriers.”

The A350-1000 is the latest member of Airbus’ leading widebody family, showing high level of commonality with the A350-900 with 95 percent common systems part numbers and the same Type Rating. As well as having a longer fuselage to accommodate 40 percent larger premium area (compared to the A350-900), the A350-1000 also features a modified wing trailing edge, new six-wheel main landing gears and more powerful Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines. Along with the A350-900, the A350-1000 is shaping the future of air travel by offering unprecedented levels of efficiency and unrivalled comfort in its ‘Airspace’ cabin. With its additional capacity, the A350-1000 is perfectly tailored for some of the busiest long-haul routes. To date, 11 customers from five continents have ordered a total of 168 A350-1000s.