Cathay Cargo boosts A350F fleet with $100b investment

The group’s cargo division adds two A350F aircraft to its 2023 order.

Cathay Cargo has expanded its order for Airbus A350F freighters to eight aircraft after exercising purchase rights for two additional units, the group’s cargo division said in a press release.

After ordering six aircraft in 2023, the additional freighters will support fleet renewal and expansion, whilst strengthening Hong Kong International Airport’s (HKIA) role as a global air cargo hub.

It also said the additional aircraft will enhance connectivity between Hong Kong, the Chinese mainland, and other markets across the group’s cargo network.

Ronald Lam, Group CEO of Cathay Group, said the group has committed more than $100b to fleet, cabin and lounge products, and digital development.

The A350F aircraft will join the freighter fleet of 20 Boeing 747 aircraft, including 14 Boeing 747-8F and six Boeing 747-400ERF units.

Cathay Cargo also operates bellyhold cargo capacity through its passenger network, which serves more than 100 destinations.

The Cathay Group has orders for more than 100 aircraft across narrowbody, regional widebody, long-haul widebody, and freighter categories as part of its fleet renewal programme.

Accenture Cargo data shows that the group is amongst the top five cargo airline groups globally by cross-border air cargo capacity, measured in available freight tonne-kilometres.

Meanwhile, HKIA has been the world’s busiest cargo airport 15 times since 2010, according to Airports Council International.