Cathay Pacific Expands Airbus Fleet with Additional Firm Orders for A321neo and A330-900 Aircraft

Cathay Pacific Group has revealed top-up orders for Airbus A321neos and A330-900s, representing a significant step toward meeting aircraft order goals outlined earlier this year.

The group exercised purchase rights for 11 A330-900s and three A321neos, boosting existing firm orders for both types. Cathay had purchase rights for a total of 87 aircraft as of June 30.

The A330-900s will support the growth of Cathay Pacific’s regional network, the airline said. The carrier ordered 30 of these aircraft in 2024.

Cathay noted that the A321neos “will further build on [subsidiary] HK Express’ growth potential with its focus on destinations in the Chinese mainland and other short-haul routes.” The Cathay Group ordered 32 A321neo and A320neo aircraft in 2023. The group currently operates 35 A321neos, according to the CAPA – Centre for Aviation fleet database.

In August, the Cathay Group revealed its intention to increase the number of aircraft scheduled for delivery from 2026 onward to 150 aircraft. The latest orders have increased its scheduled deliveries to 120 aircraft, implying that orders for at least 30 more aircraft will follow at some point.

Cathay said in August that it wants to induct the 150 aircraft over the next 10 years. About half are intended to replace older models, and half will be for fleet growth, the airline said.

This would boost the group fleet to about 300 aircraft. The group currently operates 234 aircraft with another five inactive, according to the CAPA fleet database.