Boeing and Cathay Pacific Airways officials announced Dec. 27, 2013 that Cathay Pacific has ordered an additional 747-8 Freighter and three 777-300ER (Extended Range) wide-body airplanes. The order, valued at about $1 billion at current list prices, will bolster Cathay Pacific's 747-8 Freighter fleet and 777-300ER fleet to 14 and 53, respectively.
"We are very pleased to confirm this latest aircraft purchase from the Boeing Company," said John Slosar, chief executive of Cathay Pacific. "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."
Hong Kong's flag carrier is in the midst of renewing its freighter fleet with newer, more efficient airplanes, while also looking to strengthen its position as a market leader in the air cargo business.
"Cathay Pacific is a longstanding customer and operator of Boeing's products and services," said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Ray Conner. "We value our partnership with Cathay Pacific and are grateful for their enduring confidence in Boeing and our wide-body airplanes."
The 747-8 freighter is 18ft, 4" (5.6m) longer than the 747-400 freighter and gives customers 16% more revenue cargo volume compared to its predecessor with nearly equivalent trip costs and lower ton-mile costs.
The Boeing 777-300ER twin-engine, long-haul airplane is equipped with the powerful GE90-115B commercial jet engine, and can seat up to 386 passengers in a three-class configuration with a maximum range of 7,930nm (14,685km).
Hong Kong's flag carrier operates 55 777s, including 38 777-300ERs and an all-Boeing freighter fleet that includes 13 747-8 Freighters. With this order, Cathay Pacific will have 21 777-9X airplanes, 15 777-300ERs and one 747-8 freighter on order with Boeing.
Source: Boeing