Cathay Cargo orders six A350Fs, to buy 20 more

Cathay Cargo has placed an initial firm order for six next-generation Airbus A350F freighters, and has secured the right to acquire 20 more aircraft. “This order for state-of-the-art aircraft to be delivered commencing from 2027 will help further strengthen Hong Kong’s status as the world’s number one air cargo hub, providing even greater cargo connectivity between Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland and the rest of the world,” says an official release. “As we move into 2024, our rebuild journey is gaining momentum,” says Ronald Lam, Chief Executive Officer, Cathay Group. “This order marks another major component in our investment for the future. It reflects Cathay’s confidence in the Hong Kong hub as we look ahead to the opportunities provided by the three-runway system. “These highly fuel-efficient, next-generation freighters will provide important additional cargo capacity, expand our global network and contribute to our sustainability leadership goals.” The freighters will link Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland with long-haul destinations in North and South America as well as Europe. The purchase agreement brings the Cathay Group’s new aircraft deliveries to 77, the release added. “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,” says Christian Scherer, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of International, Airbus. Cathay Cargo has a freighter fleet of 20 Boeing 747 freighters including 14 B747-8Fs and six B747-400ERFs. In addition to freighter capacity, Cathay Cargo provides belly capacity through the Cathay Group’s extensive passenger network, providing cargo services to around 80 destinations worldwide. Airbus, so far, has 39 firm orders for the A350 freighter, which will be a derivative of the A350-1000 passenger aircraft. The top customers include Singapore Airlines and Etihad Airways. The delivery of its first A350 freighter has been delayed by a few months, and it will now take place in early 2026.