Cathay Pacific orders 14 additional Boeing 777-9 passenger jets

Hong Kong-based carrier Cathay Pacific is ordering 14 more Boeing 777-9 passenger jets, bringing its order book to 35 of the world's largest twin-engine airplane and making Cathay Pacific the largest 777-9 operator in Asia Pacific.

Designed to reduce fuel use and emissions on average by 20% and noise by 40% compared to the airplanes it replaces, the 777-9 will enable Cathay Pacific to efficiently meet growing air travel demand across key global markets.

"We plan to expand and renew our fleet with the additional 777-9 aircraft, enabling us to continue our rich history of connecting the world with our Hong Kong hub," said Ronald Lam, Cathay Group CEO. "Cathay Pacific aims to further strengthen our ongoing partnership with Boeing and leverage the world-class features of the new 777-9 as we strive to become the world's best premium airline."

Cathay Pacific has grown its global network with the Boeing 777 family over the past 30 years. The addition of the latest model, the 777-9, will further reduce the airline's operating costs as it modernizes its fleet and expands passenger and cargo operations on long- and ultra long-haul routes.

"We are proud to support Cathay Pacific's continued leadership as one of the world's top airlines, and introduce the 777-9 as their future flagship airplane," said Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing.

With a range of 7,295nm (13,510km), the 777-9 will allow Cathay Pacific to connect passengers directly between Hong Kong and its global long-haul destinations. Customers around the world have ordered more than 550 777X airplanes, sustaining thousands of jobs at Boeing's Everett, Wash., site and across the supply chain.

Cathay Pacific has committed to purchasing GE Aerospace GE9X engines to power its 14 additional Boeing 777-9 aircraft, bringing the airline's total commitment to 35 GE9X powered 777-9s.

The deal also includes a service agreement to cover the maintenance, repair, and overhaul of the GE9X engines. 

"Cathay Pacific was the first customer in the Asia-Pacific region to select the new GE9X engine and we're honored they continue to place their confidence in our products and services," said Mahendra Nair, Group VP for Commercial Programs at GE Aerospace. "Combining the world's largest twin-engine commercial passenger jet and the most powerful commercial aircraft engine will enable Cathay to reach destinations across the globe."

Available exclusively on the Boeing 777X family of 777-9 and 777-8F aircraft, the GE9X offers 10% better specific fuel consumption than its predecessor, the GE90-115B, with emissions that are a generation ahead in technology.

"The GE9X engine provides market leading technologies and will help ensure we continue to offer our customers reliable travel across our expanding network," said Alex McGowan, Cathay Chief Operations and Service Delivery Officer. "We're looking forward to the GE9X joining our fleet."

Like all GE Aerospace commercial engines, the GE9X engine can operate on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) blends today.