Continuing the effort to modernize its fleet, Cathay Pacific has issued a request for information (RFI) so that it can start considering what aircraft type to replace its aging mid-sized widebodies with.
Continue reading to learn more.
Cathay Pacific Is Looking to Replace Older Mid-Sized Widebodies
Currently, Cathay Pacific operates a fleet of Airbus A321neos, A330-300s, A350-900s, A350-1000s, 777-300s, and 777-300ERs. The airline also has more A320neo family aircraft, as well as the upcoming 777X on order. Additionally, Cathay Cargo operates a fleet of 747-400 and 747-8 freighters and recently ordered A350 freighters to replace its 747-400Fs.
The A330-300 is, at over 40 airframes, the most common aircraft type in Cathay Pacific’s fleet followed by the 777-300ER and A350-900s. With an average age of just over 15 years, the A330-300s also happen to be the, on average, oldest aircraft type in Cathay Pacific’s fleet followed by the non-ER 777-300s.
On January 3, 2024, Bloomberg reported that Cathay Pacific has issued a request for information to start the purchasing process of new aircraft. The airline is reported to be “evaluating options for a versatile, mid-sized widebody aircraft that can undertake a range of missions and grow our passenger and cargo business.”
Airbus A330neo, A350, and Boeing 787 Under Consideration
Specifically, the airline is reported to be looking at placing an order for one or more of the following: Airbus A330neo, A350, and Boeing 787.
With the A330neo, specifically the A330-900 variant being essentially a modernized A330-300, the aircraft type would make sense for Cathay Pacific in terms of capacity as it would be able to directly replace the aging A330-300s in terms of size. That said, the A330-900 has not sold well with the clean-sheet 787s and A350s enjoying more orders instead.
That combined with the fact that Cathay Pacific already operates a large fleet of A350s makes me believe the airline will order either A350-900s, 787-9s, or a mix of the two.
While the A350-900 is larger than the A330-300, it would help simplify the makeup of Cathay Pacific’s fleet and thus lower costs. The airline’s existing A350-900s also have roughly the same capacity as its non-regionally-configured A330s. The 787-9, on the other hand, is closer in size to the A330-300 and would allow the airline to diversify its fleet.
For reference, Cathay Pacific currently operates A330-300s in multiple different configurations ranging from 251 seats in three classes (39 in business, 21 in premium economy, and 191 in economy) to 317 seats in two classes (24 in business and 293 in economy).
Its existing A350-900s are equipped with 280 seats in three classes (38 in business, 28 in premium economy, and 214 in economy).
Summary
Cathay Pacific is in the process of modernizing its fleet. In addition to A321neos, A350-900s, and A350-1000s that joined the airline over the last few years, it also has more A320neo family aircraft and the upcoming 777X on order. Now, the airline is also looking to replace its aging mid-sized widebodies – i.e. its A330-300s.
While it is reported that the airline is considering either the A330neo, A350, or 787, I believe it will be one (or both) of the latter two.
