The Cathay Group is among the top five largest cargo airline groups globally in terms of cross-boundary air cargo capacity (measured in available freight tonne kilometres), according to Accenture Cargo data. This capacity has contributed to the success of Hong Kong International Airport, its home hub, in achieving the status of world’s busiest cargo airport 15 times since 2010, according to Airports Council International.
To support the Group’s future growth, Cathay Cargo today announces that it is further expanding its fleet with the execution of purchase rights for an additional two Airbus A350F freighter aircraft. In addition to its order for six of these aircraft announced in 2023, this brings Cathay Cargo’s total commitment to eight A350F freighters.
These highly efficient, new-generation freighters will help further strengthen Hong Kong’s status as the world’s leading international air cargo hub, enhancing cargo connectivity between Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland, and other markets across the Group’s extensive global cargo network. They will also contribute to the Group’s sustainability leadership goals.
Cathay Group Chief Executive Officer Ronald Lam said: “We are pleased to further strengthen our fleet with these additional A350F freighters that will provide greater connectivity at our home hub and more choices for our customers. This strategic, future-ready investment reflects our resolute confidence in our long-term growth prospects and supports Cathay Cargo’s goal of being the world’s best air cargo carrier.
“As we continue to grow alongside our home hub, the Cathay Group has already committed well over HK$100 billion in investments into our fleet, cabin and lounge products and digital innovation. Together, these investments will elevate the customer experience and strengthen the Hong Kong international aviation hub propelled by the Three-Runway System.”
The eight new A350Fs will complement Cathay Cargo’s fleet of 20 Boeing 747 freighters, including 14 B747-8Fs and six B747-400ERFs. In addition to freighter capacity, Cathay Cargo provides belly capacity through the Cathay Group’s passenger network serving more than 100 destinations worldwide.
The Cathay Group has orders for more than 100 state-of-the-art narrowbody, regional widebody, long-haul widebody and large freighter aircraft as part of its all-encompassing fleet renewal and expansion plan.
