Cathay Group has placed an order with Airbus for 32 A320neo Family aircraft as it looks to further expand its operations.
The 32 additional aircraft will comprise A321neo and A320neo jets, helping to bolster the fleets of both Cathay Pacific and low-cost subsidiary HK Express.
The agreement doubles the Cathay Group’s total orders for the A320neo Family to a new total of 64, of which 13 have already been delivered.
In a statement on behalf of Airbus and Cathay Group on September 29, 2023, both parties confirmed that the new aircraft will “principally serve destinations in the Chinese Mainland and elsewhere in Asia”.
Airbus CCO and head of international, Christian Scherer said: “Cathay is one of the world’s leading airline Groups and we are proud to be part of its recovery and growth plan. Operating out of the Cathay Group’s base at the heart of Asia, the A320neo family will enable it to expand its services across the region with a most efficient single aisle fleet and a positive passenger comfort differentiation. With a significant reduction in fuel consumption, the aircraft will also bring an immediate contribution to the Cathay Group’s sustainability goals.”
Cathay announced its “intention to purchase” 32 Airbus A320 and A321neo aircraft in August 2023.
“We are committed to investing in the long-term future of the Group and the Hong Kong international aviation hub, which is expected to grow exponentially with the operation of the Three-Runway System,” Ronald Lam, CEO of the Cathay Group, said at the time.
Lam added: “These aircraft models have been serving Cathay Pacific and HK Express well, allowing us to strengthen the expansion of our Chinese Mainland and regional network for our customers.”