– Airline to add largest version of all-new airliner to existing A350 XWB order

July 10, 2012 — Cathay Pacific Airways today announced that it intends to add the A350-1000 to its future A350 XWB fleet, with an agreement to place a new order for 10 aircraft. In addition, the Hong Kong-based airline will convert 16 of its existing orders for the A350-900 to the larger A350-1000. The acquisition of the A350-1000, which is subject to the approval of the Board of the airline, will bring the total number of A350 XWB aircraft ordered by Cathay Pacific to 48. The airline also has separate lease agreements to acquire two more aircraft.

The A350-1000 is the largest version of the A350 XWB family and typically seats 350 passengers in a three class layout. The aircraft is capable of flying 8,400 nautical miles non-stop and will be operated by Cathay Pacific on higher density routes, including its longest non-stop flights to Europe and North America. The aircraft will be powered by two Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines delivering 97,000lbs of thrust – the most powerful engines ever developed for an Airbus aircraft.

““This is an important and strategic development for Cathay Pacific. The A350-1000 aircraft will bring us world-beating fuel efficiency and environmental friendliness” said John Slosar, Chief Executive, Cathay Pacific Airways. “It will also be a very popular aircraft with our customers and its improved payload and range will allow us to connect more and more important cities worldwide directly with Hong Kong.”

“This announcement from one of the world’s most highly respected airlines is a clear endorsement of the unbeatable operating economics offered by the A350-1000,” said Fabrice Brégier, Airbus President & CEO. “The A350-1000 will be a game changer in the 350-seat category, offering outstanding payload-range capability and a 25 per cent reduction in fuel burn. As an all-new design, it will outperform existing aircraft in its size category on every count, as well as any future derivatives of those aircraft.”

The A350 XWB (Xtra Wide-Body) Family is an all-new mid-size long range product line comprising three versions seating between 270 and 350 passengers in typical three-class layouts. Scheduled for entry-into-service in 2014, the A350 XWB is already one of most successful aircraft programmes ever, with a total of 548 firm orders already received from 34 customers worldwide.

777 Freighter Celebrates New Customer Cathay Pacific’s Total 777-300ER Commitment Reaches 50

HONG KONG, Aug. 10, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Cathay Pacific Airways today announced the Hong Kong-based carrier has ordered eight Boeing 777 Freighters and four 777-300ER (extended range) airplanes. The order is valued at $3.3 billion at list prices. With this announcement, Cathay Pacific becomes the 15th customer to order the 777 Freighter and increases its Boeing 777-300ER fleet to 50.

“We are very pleased to announce this latest Boeing order, which highlights our commitment to operating a modern and efficient fleet together with a deep commitment to our home city, Hong Kong,” said John Slosar, Cathay Pacific Chief Executive. “The Boeing 777-300ER is a superb aircraft that has already given a significant boost to our long-haul passenger operations, while the Boeing 777 Freighter will improve our freighter operations by delivering improved payload range capability at competitive operating costs.”

“The Boeing 777 Freighter, together with the other new aircraft types, will provide us with exactly the right balance in our fleet portfolio through to the end of the decade along with a more efficient and environmentally friendly operation,” Slosar added.

“We thank Cathay Pacific for its continued confidence in the 777-300ER and for its selection of the 777 Freighter,” said Marlin Dailey, vice president of Sales & Marketing, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “We look forward to working with Cathay to introduce the 777 Freighter into its cargo operations, and are grateful for the opportunity to partner with Cathay as it continues to build upon its success as a global long-haul carrier.”

Including this order, Cathay Pacific has 36 777s in backlog, and already operates 35 777s direct from Boeing.
The 777-300ER is the world’s largest long-range twin-engine jetliner, capable of carrying 365 passengers up to 7,930 nautical miles (14,685 kilometers). To date 34 customers around the world have ordered more than 500 777-300ERs.

The 777 Freighter will position Cathay Pacific Airways to take advantage of the high air cargo traffic growth projected for Hong Kong and the Asia Pacific region. The airplane is the world’s longest range twin-engine freighter. Providing cargo capacity normally associated with larger airplanes, the 777 freighter can fly 4,900 nautical miles (9,070 kilometers) with a full payload of 225,200 pounds (102 metric tons).

World’s Most Popular Mid-Size Widebody Stays High In Demand

HONG KONG, March 9, 2011 — Cathay Pacific Airways has placed a firm order with Airbus for 15 more A330-300s. Scheduled for delivery from 2013, the aircraft will join the airline’s existing A330 fleet flying on services across the Asia-Pacific region. As with the airline’s existing A330 fleet, the newly ordered aircraft will be powered by Trent 700 engines from Rolls-Royce.

“The A330 has proved itself to be an extremely efficient and versatile aircraft for Cathay Pacific, flying on Asian regional services and longer operations to the Middle East and Australia,” said Tony Tyler, Chief Executive, Cathay Pacific Airways. “Our latest order reflects our confidence that the A330 will continue to meet our needs well into the future, both economically and operationally, as a key part of our fleet.”
“The latest order from Cathay Pacific underscores the position of the A330 as the most popular mid-size widebody flying today,” said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer – Customers, Airbus. “The proven reliability, low operating costs and strong passenger appeal offered by the A330 will ensure that it remains the most efficient aircraft in its class for many years to come.”

The twin engine A330 is one of the most widely used widebody aircraft in service today. To date, Airbus has won more than 1,100 orders for the various versions of the aircraft. Some 750 A330s have already been delivered and the aircraft is currently flying with 90 operators worldwide in 50 countries.

HONG KONG, March 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — The Boeing Company (NYSE: BA) and Cathay Pacific Airways today announced the Hong Kong-based carrier ordered 10 Boeing 777-300ER (extended range) airplanes valued at $2.8 billion at list price.

Cathay Pacific first announced its selection of the 777-300ER for its fleet requirements in 2005. With this order, Cathay Pacific will increase its Boeing 777-300ER planned fleet from 36 to 46 (including 4 leased). It’s the fifth increase in its acquisition plans for the long-range jetliner.

“Cathay Pacific is a world-class carrier and a valued long-time partner. It has made the 777-300ER the foundation of its significant fleet enhancement for long-haul routes,” said Marlin Dailey, vice president of Sales & Marketing for Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “The 777-300ER will as always provide superior operating efficiency, economics and reliability, as well as a very comfortable cabin experience for the passenger.”

Cathay Pacific uses the Boeing 777-300ER as the backbone for its ultra-long-haul and long-haul fleet, mainly serving destinations in North America and Europe.

“The Asia Pacific region is the world’s fastest growing aviation market and Cathay Pacific is well positioned in Hong Kong to take advantage of this blooming market to grow our business,” said Cathay Pacific Chief Executive Officer Tony Tyler. “Our newest 777 order highlights our continued commitment to developing Hong Kong’s role as one of the world’s leading international aviation hubs. As we continue to expand our fleet, the 777-300ER will play a crucial role in our operations in the years to come.”

The Boeing 777 family is the world’s most successful twin-engine, long-haul airplane. The 777-300ER extends the 777 family’s span of capabilities, bringing twin-engine efficiency and reliability to the long-range markets.

In additions to Boeing 777-300ER, Cathay Pacific operates 12 Boeing 777-300s, five 777-200s, 45 747-400s in both passenger and cargo versions. The airline also has ordered 10 Boeing 747-8 Freighters.

More than 60 customers around the world have ordered nearly 1,200 777s.