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Hong Kong transport
Hong KongTransport

Hong Kong flag carrier Cathay Pacific expands cargo business with HK$21 billion purchase of 6 Airbus planes and right to buy 20 more

  • City’s flag carrier says it has placed initial order for six A350F freighters to meet future fleet requirements
  • New planes scheduled for delivery from 2027, with order following earlier cut-price deal for 32 aircraft from Airbus

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Cathay Pacific planes parked at Hong Kong International Airport in Chek Lap Kok. The airline is looking to expand its cargo business. Photo: Sam Tsang
Cannix Yau
Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific Airways has said it will buy six aircraft from Europe’s Airbus at a list price of HK$21 billion (US$2.69 billion) and secured the right to buy another 20 to boost its freight capacity and global network.

The city’s flag carrier on Friday said it had placed an initial order with Airbus for six A350F freighters to meet future fleet requirements. The planes are scheduled to be delivered from 2027.

“This order marks another major component in our investment for the future,” said group CEO Ronald Lam Siu-por. “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 order came after the group finalised a cut-price deal for 32 aircraft worth HK$36 billion from Airbus in September, a move analysts said would bolster the carrier’s expansion plans.

The company said the planes would help further strengthen Hong Kong’s status as the world’s air cargo hub, providing even greater connectivity between the city, mainland China and the rest of the world.

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