New Freighter Aircraft for All Boeing Cargo Fleet

HONG KONG – US – Further to the fitting of the new GEnx-2B energy saving engines and the announcement of more performance enhancing improvements to come, Hong Kong flag carrier Cathay Pacific is to extend its all Boeing cargo fleet with a post-Christmas announcement that it has ordered an additional 747-8 Freighter plus three 777-300ER (Extended Range) passenger 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.

Cathay Pacific operates fifty five 777’s, including thirty eight 777-300ER’s and an all-Boeing freighter fleet that includes thirteen 747-8 Freighters with a total of thirty six more 777’s plus the 747-8 freighter on order from the Seattle headquartered company. John Slosar, Chief Executive of Cathay Pacific, said:

"We are very pleased to confirm this latest aircraft purchase from the Boeing Company. 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."

The latest orders continue Cathay’s avowed intent to renew its freighter fleet with newer, more efficient airplanes, while also looking to strengthen its position as a market leader in the air cargo business. Boeing claims the 747-8 Freighter gives cargo operators the lowest operating costs and best economics of any large freighter airplane while providing enhanced environmental performance.

At 76.3 metres long, 5.6 metres longer overall than the 747-400 Freighter, the 747-8 Freighter offers 16% more revenue cargo volume compared to its predecessor with nearly equivalent trip costs and lower tonne-kilometre costs and Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO, Ray Conner, reflected on his company’s relationship with the Far Eastern carrier, saying:

"Cathay Pacific is a longstanding customer and operator of Boeing's products and services. We value our partnership with Cathay Pacific and are grateful for their enduring confidence in Boeing and our wide-body airplanes."