Cathay Pacific orders additional 747-8F and three 777-300ERs

Cathay Pacific and Boeing announced (27-Dec-2013) that Cathay Pacific has ordered an additional GEnx-2B-powered 747-8F and three GE90-115B-powered 777-300ER aircraft. The order, valued at around USD1 billion at current list prices, will bolster Cathay Pacific's 747-8F fleet and 777-300ER fleet to 14 and 53, respectively. Cathay Pacific also signed a 15-year OnPointSM solution agreement to cover the maintenance, repair and overhaul of these engines. This order follows the decision last week from Cathay Pacific to become Asia's first 777X customer with orders for 21 GE9X-powered 777-9X aircraft. Cathay Pacific ordered its first 777-300ER in 2005 and has since become the world's second largest operator with 53 on order, 38 of which has been delivered and in operation to date. Cathay Pacific took its first 747-8F delivery in Oct-2011, and with a total order now standing at 14, the airline is currently the world's largest operator of this aircraft type. Cathay Pacific CEO John Slosar said, "Both the 777-300ER and the 747-8 Freighter offer a highly efficient solution on Cathay Pacific's ultra-long-haul routes, combining superb operating economics with a significant reduction in emissions. These two aircraft types will form the backbone of our long-haul passenger and freighter fleets through to the end of the decade." Cathay Pacific is in the midst of renewing its freighter fleet with newer, more efficient aircraft, while also looking to strengthen its position as a market leader in the air cargo business. The carrier operates 55 777s, including 38 777-300ERs and an all-Boeing freighter fleet that includes 13 747-8Fs. With this order, Cathay Pacific will have 21 777-9s, 15 777-300ERs and one 747-8F on order with Boeing. [more - original PR] [more - original PR - II] [more - original PR - GE]