Hong Kong’s Cathay Group has placed a firm order with Airbus for 30 A330-900 widebody aircraft as part of its fleet renewal programme. The new aircraft will modernize Cathay's A330-300 fleet and expand operations on high-capacity regional and longer-range routes.

Based on Airbus’ list prices, the deal is worth about US$11 billion. However, the Hong Kong-based airline has secured “significant price concessions” for the purchase.

Ronald Lam, Cathay Group chief executive officer, stresses the significance of the investment in modernizing the fleet and supporting Hong Kong’s status as an international aviation hub.

“We are delighted to announce this new order for state-of-the-art A330neo aircraft. This substantial investment reflects not only our immense confidence in Hong Kong’s leading international aviation hub status, but also represents our commitment to fostering our home city’s ongoing development.

“These new aircraft will principally serve our regional destinations in Asia, while also providing the flexibility to serve longer-haul destinations as required. The improved fuel efficiency of these A330neos, together with their high standards of comfort, will enable us to further elevate the experience we provide for our customers while also contributing towards our goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.”

Powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, the A330neos offer improved fuel efficiency. The A330-900 can fly 7,200 nautical miles (13,330 kilometres) non-stop and can operate with up to 50% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), with the aim of increasing it to 100% by 2030.

"This latest order from Cathay, one of the world’s most experienced A330 operators, is a major endorsement of the latest generation A330neo. It is the natural successor for existing A330 fleets, bringing the highest levels of technical and operational commonality, and significant reductions in fuel consumption and carbon emissions,” adds Christian Scherer, Airbus CEO, commercial aircraft.