Cathay Group has placed an order for 14 additional Airbus aircraft to support regional expansion across both Cathay Pacific and budget carrier HK Express, pushing the group’s total investment commitments past HK$150 billion (US$19 billion) through 2035.
The new order brings planned deliveries from 2026 to 120 aircraft. Group chief executive Ronald Lam Siu-por said the purchases move the carrier closer to a goal of 150 new aircraft deliveries and a network spanning 150 destinations over the next decade, contingent on market conditions.
For crew, the expansion signals sustained hiring and base activity at both carriers through the mid-2030s. Growth split across a full-service international carrier and a regional low-cost operation means the fleet additions will support different crew structures, compensation frameworks, and route profiles under the same group umbrella.
Update (November 11, 2026 at 7:38 PM ET)
- The 14 aircraft comprise 11 A330-900s and three A321neos.
- The 11 A330-900s build on a 2024 order for 30 aircraft, bringing total firm commitment for the type to 41.
- The three A321neos add to a previous 2023 order for 32 A321neo/A320neo aircraft.
- The A330-900 is powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines.
- The A330-900 can fly up to 8,100 nautical miles non-stop.
- The A330-900 reduces fuel burn, CO₂ emissions and operating cost by 25% compared to previous generation competitor aircraft.
Update (November 11, 2026 at 7:38 PM ET)
- The 11 A330-900 jets are specifically for Cathay Pacific, while three A321neo aircraft are for HK Express.
- The deal is valued at US$5.1 billion.
- The A330-900 aircraft are expected to be delivered between 2031 and 2035.
- The aircraft will provide Cathay Pacific with more passenger and cargo capacity.
