Cathay orders 14 more Airbus jets as investment commitments top HK$150 billion

Hong Kong’s Cathay Group has ordered 14 additional Airbus aircraft to support the expansion of its regional services, taking its total investment commitments to more than HK$150 billion (US$19 billion) for the decade to 2035.

The group said on Wednesday that the orders would support growth at both its flagship carrier, Cathay Pacific, and budget airline HK Express, bringing planned aircraft deliveries from 2026 to 120.

“These new orders bring our total aircraft deliveries from 2026 to 120, bringing us closer to our plan of 150 new aircraft deliveries and building a network serving 150 destinations in the next 10 years, if market conditions are favourable,” group chief executive Ronald Lam Siu-por said.

Cathay exercised purchase rights for 11 Airbus A330-900 widebody aircraft, adding to the 30 of the same model ordered in 2024. The jets will support Cathay Pacific’s regional network expansion and provide additional passenger and cargo capacity, the group said.

It also exercised purchase rights for three A321neo narrowbody aircraft for HK Express, which is focusing on mainland Chinese destinations and other short-haul routes.

Those aircraft add to an order placed in 2023 for 32 jets comprising the A321neo and the smaller A320neo models.

Lam said the latest purchases took the group’s total committed investment for 2026 to 2035 to more than HK$150 billion (US$19.2 billion).

“At Cathay, we continue to make important investments to elevate the experience for our customers and drive our long-term growth,” he said.

Lam said the new, fuel-efficient aircraft would strengthen connectivity through Hong Kong and contribute to the group’s sustainability goals.

Cathay’s fleet renewal and expansion programme includes Airbus A320neo and A321neo narrowbody aircraft, A330-900 regional wide-bodies and Boeing 777-9 jets for long-haul services.

Its cargo fleet plans also include Airbus A350F and A330 freighters.

Lam said the investments would help strengthen Hong Kong’s position as a leading international aviation hub and reflected the group’s belief in shared success.

The latest orders follow the purchase of two additional Airbus A350F freighters in May this year.

Cathay also ordered 14 Boeing 777-9 passenger jets in August last year.