Hong Kong-based Cathay Group has confirmed a new order for 14 Airbus aircraft, continuing its fleet modernisation and expansion programme. The order includes 11 widebody Airbus A330-900s and three single-aisle A321neos, aimed at increasing capacity and operational flexibility across regional and long-haul markets.

The latest order for 11 A330-900 aircraft builds on an agreement signed in 2024, when Cathay Group ordered 30 aircraft of the type. This brings the Group’s total firm commitments for the A330neo to 41 aircraft. Meanwhile, the three additional A321neos supplement a previous order placed in 2023, which included 32 aircraft from the A320neo and A321neo families.

Cathay Group emphasised that the new aircraft will support the continued development of its route network across the Asia-Pacific region while providing greater flexibility for longer flights. The fleet expansion is also expected to further strengthen Hong Kong’s position as one of the world’s leading international aviation hubs.

“The A330 and A320 aircraft families have been serving the Cathay Group well, and we are pleased to be adding more of these state-of-the-art, fuel-efficient aircraft to our fleet. This latest order enables us to further expand and upgrade our fleet, supporting our regional operations and strengthening connectivity at our home hub in Hong Kong,” said Alex McGowan, Cathay’s Chief Operations and Service Delivery Officer.

The Airbus A330-900, commonly known as the A330neo, represents the latest generation of Airbus’ A330 widebody aircraft family. Powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, the aircraft offers a maximum advertised range of approximately 15,000 kilometres, or 8,100 nautical miles. According to Airbus, the A330neo delivers up to 25% lower fuel consumption, CO₂ emissions and operating costs compared with previous-generation competitor aircraft. It also features the new Airspace cabin, designed to enhance passenger comfort.

The A321neo, meanwhile, is the largest member of Airbus’ A320neo single-aisle family. Thanks to its extended range and capacity, it enables airlines to operate regional and medium-haul services efficiently. Airbus states that aircraft from the A320neo family achieve at least 20% lower fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions compared with previous-generation aircraft.

Benoit de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus Executive Vice President Sales of Commercial Aircraft, said the latest order demonstrates Cathay Group’s continued confidence in Airbus products. According to him, the combination of the A330neo and A321neo allows the airline to match capacity with demand while benefiting from lower fuel consumption and the operational efficiencies of a streamlined fleet.

The latest order further reinforces Cathay Group’s long-term commitment to Airbus aircraft, particularly in the regional and medium-haul segments. At the same time, investment in next-generation widebody aircraft represents an important part of the Group’s fleet renewal strategy and the continued development of its international route network from Hong Kong.