Cathay Pacific 777X order ensures prompt re-fleeting while starting 777X sales bonanza in Asia

Cathay Pacific's order for 21 777-9X aircraft will give the carrier a lead in fleet re-generation in Asia, a position it badly needs to occupy after falling behind the curve in replacing ageing A340-300s and 747-400s. Cathay has acutely felt the impact, but now becomes yet another carrier to order the 777X alongside the A350-1000, showing airlines see segmentation between the types. For Cathay, that means using the 777X on its strongest long-haul routes - from both a passenger and freight position - such as to New York, London and Los Angeles. The 777X order gives Cathay greater future lift than the A350, which had exclusively comprised Cathay's delivery stream after 2015.

Cathay is the largest 777-300ER customer in Asia, and second in the world only to Emirates. 41% of the world's 777-300ERs are in Asia-Pacific, which is home to 30% of 777-300ERs on order. Other large customers in the region include Singapore Airlines, Korean Air, All Nippon Airways and EVA Air. Cathay's 777X order starts what will surely be a healthy sales effort in the region as Asian carriers like to keep their fleet young. Already ANA is in advanced 777X evaluation stages. EVA has flagged future 777-300ER orders while later evaluating the 777X.