Hong Kong’s Cathay Group has placed a firm order for 14 additional Airbus aircraft, comprising 11 A330-900s and three A321neos, marking an important next step in the airline’s ongoing fleet modernisation and expansion plans.

The 11 additional A330-900s build on the Group’s 2024 order for 30 aircraft, bringing its total firm commitment for the type to 41. The three additional single-aisle A321neos add to the Group’s previous order for 32 A321neo/A320neo aircraft placed in 2023.

The fuel-efficient, latest-generation aircraft will support the Cathay Group’s regional and longer-haul operations, while enhancing passenger comfort and contributing to the Group’s sustainability goals.

“The A330 and A320 aircraft families have been serving the Cathay Group well, and we are pleased to be adding more of these state-of-the-art, fuel-efficient aircraft to our fleet,” said Cathay Chief Operations and Service Delivery Officer Alex McGowan. “This latest order for 14 additional A330-900s and A321neos enables us to further expand and upgrade our fleet, supporting not only our regional operations across Asia-Pacific, but also providing greater flexibility to operate longer flights, further strengthening connectivity at our home hub, Hong Kong.”

“This additional order from the Cathay Group, an experienced operator of the A330ceo and the A320 Family, is a strong endorsement of the value these aircraft bring in supporting the airline’s growth,” said Benoit de Saint-Exupery, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business. “Together the A330-900 and A321neo aircraft give the airline the flexibility to match capacity to demand, bringing versatility while benefiting from lower fuel burn and the efficiencies of a streamlined Airbus fleet. We are proud to support the Cathay Group through its exciting next stage of fleet renewal and growth.”

Powered by the latest-generation Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, the A330neo is designed to fly up to 8,100 nautical miles (15,000 kilometres) non-stop and reduces fuel burn, CO2 emissions and operating cost by 25% compared with previous-generation competitor aircraft. The A330neo’s Airspace cabin offers passengers and crews the latest in-flight products for a comfortable flying experience.

The A320 Family is the world’s most popular single-aisle aircraft, having won nearly 20,600 orders globally. The family includes its largest member, the A321neo, offering unparalleled range and performance, and offers at least 20% fuel savings and CO2 reduction compared with previous-generation single-aisle aircraft, while maximising passenger comfort with one of the widest single-aisle cabins in the sky.