Cathay Group orders the A330neo
Hong Kong’s Cathay Group has placed a firm order for 30 Airbus A330-900 widebody aircraft. The order forms part of Cathay’s mid-size widebody fleet renewal programme and follows a thorough evaluation by the airline.
Ronald Lam, Cathay Group Chief Executive Officer said: “As Cathay completes the final stretch of its rebuilding journey, we are turning the page to modernisation and growth, both in terms of scope and quality. We are delighted to announce this new order for state-of-the-art A330neo aircraft. This substantial investment reflects not only our immense confidence in Hong Kong’s leading international aviation hub status, but also represents our commitment to fostering our home city’s ongoing development.”
The A330 has been serving Cathay Pacific for nearly 30 years, and the newly-ordered aircraft will enable Cathay to modernise its earlier generation A330-300 fleet and to expand its operations on high capacity regional routes, while offering the flexibility to serve longer range destinations. The A330-900 is capable of flying 7,200 nm (13,330 km) non-stop and (as with all Airbus aircraft) is already able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Airbus aims to increase this to 100% by 2030.
All A330neo aircraft are powered by the latest generation Rolls-Royce Trent 7000, which offers significant reductions in fuel consumption and carbon emissions.
Ronald Lam noted that: “The improved fuel efficiency of these A330neos, together with their high standards of comfort, will enable us to further elevate the experience we provide for our customers while also contributing towards our goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.”
By the end of July 2024, the A330 Family had won 1,805 firm orders from more than 130 customers worldwide, and some 1,469 aircraft were in service on long, medium and short haul routes around the world.
