Cathay Group said Nov. 11 it had ordered 14 Airbus aircraft, setting up more capacity across its Hong Kong airlines and taking planned new-aircraft deliveries from 2026 to 120.
The package comprises 11 A330-900 widebody aircraft for Cathay Pacific and three A321neo narrowbody aircraft for its HK Express unit. Cathay and Airbus announced the firm order, but neither announcement gave a price or delivery timetable for the A321neos.
The A330-900 order brings Cathay’s firm commitment for the model to 41 aircraft. The group placed an order for 30 in 2024 and secured rights to purchase additional aircraft; the latest deal exercises some of those rights. Cathay also has a 2023 order for 32 A321neo and A320neo aircraft.
Cathay expects the 11 widebodies to arrive from 2031 through 2035. The airline plans to use them mainly on Asian regional routes, where they will provide more passenger and cargo capacity, and gradually replace existing mid-size widebody aircraft. The filing says the planes could also be used on longer routes.
Cathay’s exchange filing lists a basic price of about $5.114 billion (HK$39.889 billion) for the 11 A330-900s. That figure covers the aircraft, optional features and engines. The filing says Airbus offered significant discounts, making the actual amount payable lower, but does not disclose the final price. Cathay may fund the purchase through bank loans, leases, sale-and-leaseback arrangements or operating cash.
The three A321neos are intended to support HK Express routes focused on mainland China and other short-haul destinations. Cathay says the aircraft program supports fleet replacement, added capacity and improved fuel efficiency.
The group says committed investment for 2026 through 2035 exceeds HK$150 billion. Over the next 10 years, it aims for 150 new-aircraft deliveries and a network serving 150 destinations, conditional on favorable market conditions. The next stated milestone for the A330-900s is their delivery window beginning in 2031.
