Cathay Pacific orders Five Additional Boeing 777-300ERs

Cathay Pacific has ordered five additional Boeing 777-300ER (Extended Range) jetliners, increasing the airline’s commitment to a total of 23 of the advanced twin-engine, twin-aisle airplanes.

The airline announced in 2005 that it was purchasing 12 777-300ERs from Boeing, with four additional operating leases through International Lease Finance Corp. The first of those airplanes will be delivered in September. Last year the airline exercised additional rights to order two more 777-300ERs.

The five new airplanes have an estimated value of US$1.4 billion at Boeing list prices. All of Cathay Pacific’s 777-300ERs will be powered by General Electric GE90-115BL engines.

Cathay Pacific’s 777-300ER fleet will significantly increase the airline’s capacity, and will be used primarily on long-haul and ultra-long-haul routes to Europe and North America. The airplanes will enable full payload, nonstop service connecting Hong Kong and New York.

“This fleet expansion is in line with our plan to expand our network and connectivity, in the process further strengthening Cathay Pacific’s position as Hong Kong’s home carrier and cementing the city’s status as a leading international aviation hub,” said Cathay Pacific Chief Executive Tony Tyler. “These aircraft represent a very substantial investment and underline our long-term commitment to continued profitable growth of the airline and to providing the best travel experience for our passengers.”

See other recent news regarding: Travel News Asia, Boeing, Cathay Pacific