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Cathay Pacific
has signed a contract with Airbus to further expand its A330 widebody fleet with the addition of eight A330-300 aircraft. The
new aircraft, powered by Rolls Royce Trent 700 engines, are scheduled for delivery before the end of 2012.
The Hong Kong based carrier, together with sister airline
Dragonair, is currently one of the largest operators of A330 aircraft in the world with a fleet
of 45 A330-300s currently in service across its combined international route network. Together with three leased A330-300s scheduled for
delivery in 2008, this latest order will bring the airlines’ combined A330-300 fleet to a total of 56 by 2012. The airline operates its fleet of twin
engine A330-300s on regional and medium haul routes such as between Hong Kong and Sydney, Delhi, Tokyo and Beijing.
Cathay Pacific Chief Executive Tony Tyler
said, “This is another significant development for the Cathay Pacific Group as we continue
expanding our regional and long-haul fleets to further strengthen Hong Kong's position as a leading international aviation hub. The A330 is
the most efficient aircraft for our regional and medium-haul fleet and we are delighted that with this order our fleet will grow to more than 50
such aircraft. These new aircraft will be deployed by both Cathay Pacific and Dragonair as our regional and Mainland networks continue to
grow.”
Responding particularly to the needs of
Asia Pacific carriers, the region has become a key A330/A340
market, with the A330 flying primarily on high capacity regional routes and the A340 offering ETOPS-free, ultra-long range service to Europe
and North America, as well as between eastern Asia and the Pacific region.
Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers John Leahy
said, “To receive a repeat order from one of the world’s most prestigious airlines is
an endorsement of the popularity of the A330. Cathay Pacific’s decision is a clear affirmation of the aircraft’s benefits and its suitability for
traffic growth across the dynamic Asia Pacific region.”
There are currently in excess of 800 A330/A340 Family aircraft in operation worldwide with 90 operators, and more than 600 such aircraft in
Airbus’ substantial backlog of orders. The A330/A340 Family has been especially successful in Asia Pacific with 270 aircraft in service with
23 airlines, including almost every major international carrier in the region.
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