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Cathay Cargo ordered two more Airbus A350F freighters, lifting its total order to eight
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The add-on follows an initial six-aircraft A350F order announced in 2023.
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Cathay Group cites long-term growth, network connectivity, and sustainability as drivers for the deal
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The eight A350Fs will operate alongside 20 Boeing 747 freighters
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Cathay Cargo also taps belly capacity via the Group’s passenger network to 100+ destinations
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Cathay Group has committed over HK$100 billion across fleet, cabins, lounges, and digital innovation, and has orders for 100+ aircraft across types
Cathay Cargo has ordered two additional Airbus A350F freighters, expanding its commitment to eight of the aircraft type from an initial six placed in 2023.
The carrier said the highly efficient, new‑generation freighters will enhance cargo connectivity across Hong Kong, the Chinese mainland and its wider global network, while advancing the group’s sustainability goals.
The Cathay Group is among the top five largest cargo airline groups globally in terms of cross-boundary air cargo capacity, the company noted, citing Accenture Cargo data. That capacity, it added, has supported Hong Kong International Airport’s position as the world’s busiest cargo airport 15 times since 2010, according to Airports Council International.
The eight A350Fs will join Cathay Cargo’s existing fleet of 20 Boeing 747 freighters, comprising 14 B747‑8Fs and six B747‑400ERFs.
Beyond dedicated freighters, the cargo unit also utilizes belly capacity across the Cathay Group’s passenger network serving more than 100 destinations worldwide.
READ: Cathay cargo volume rises 12% in Oct, passenger traffic up 21%
“This strategic, future-ready investment reflects our resolute confidence in our long-term growth prospects and supports Cathay Cargo’s goal of being the world’s best air cargo carrier,” Cathay Group chief executive Ronald Lam said.
“As we continue to grow alongside our home hub, the Cathay Group has already committed well over HK$100 billion in investments into our fleet, cabin and lounge products and digital innovation. Together, these investments will elevate the customer experience and strengthen the Hong Kong international aviation hub propelled by the Three-Runway System,” he added.
Airbus, for its part, said the A350F powered by the latest Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines reduces fuel consumption and carbon emissions of up to 20% when compared to previous generation aircraft with a similar payload-range capability.
It is the only new freighter fully meeting ICAO’s 2027 CO₂ emission standards, the plane manufacturer noted.
“The A350F will fit seamlessly into the airline’s existing Airbus fleet with unrivalled operational and technical commonality, while accelerating the airline’s decarbonization journey. We could not be more excited to grow this partnership,” Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP for Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business, said in a separate statement.
Cathay said the expanded A350F commitment forms part of a broader renewal and growth program, with the Cathay Group holding orders for more than 100 aircraft spanning narrowbodies, regional widebodies, long‑haul widebodies and large freighters.
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