Cathay Pacific Group outlines fleet optimisation plans with distinct strategy for each airline

10 November, 2019

Cathay Pacific Group outlined (08-Nov-2019) the following fleet optimisation plans:

  • Group to optimise passenger fleet of its three passenger airlines - Cathay Pacific, Cathay Dragon and HK Express - to allow each airline to achieve their full development potential by leveraging their respective strengths;
  • Group has existing orders for 65 new aircraft for delivery by 2024, as part of its fleet modernisation plan. Existing orders cover 21 Boeing 777-9s, 12 A350s and 32 A321neo aircraft;
  • Following a comprehensive fleets review, the group has decided Cathay Dragon will operate the first 16 A321neo aircraft upon delivery from 2020 to 2022. The remaining 16 aircraft will join the HK Express fleet from 2022;
  • The move is also designed to maximise each airline's operational efficiency and synergy, and create better connections through Hong Kong International Airport that will strengthen the city's position as a leading international aviation hub;
  • AHK Air Hong Kong will continue to be the group's all cargo carrier specialising in express cargo services.

Cathay Pacific Group CEO Augustus Tang commented: "We have four airlines in the group, each of them has its clear proposition. Cathay Pacific will continue to operate as an international full service airline providing premium services to customers while Cathay Dragon is our regional full service carrier. Meanwhile, HK Express will remain as a standalone, low cost airline focusing on serving leisure travel destinations". [more - original PR]