Skift Take
Cathay Pacific was hit harder than most during the pandemic, and remains a relative laggard on the international stage. Bosses see 2024 as the year that its rebuilding plan really starts to gather pace.
Hong Kong’s largest airline is continuing its post-pandemic shopping spree. On Wednesday, Cathay Pacific announced a deal for 30 Airbus A330neo planes. The contract, valued at around $11 billion, also includes rights for a further 30 of the European-built widebody aircraft.
Although the A330neo is often used for long-haul flying, Cathay says the new arrivals will primarily be deployed on its short and medium-haul Asian network. Airlines in the region frequently operate larger widebody jets on busy intercity routes. The new jets are due for delivery between 2028 and 2031.
With the latest deal, the wider Cathay Group has more than 100 new aircraft in its delivery pipeline, with options for an additional 80.
While no plane maker likes to lose business, Airbus was always t