Cathay Pacific has exercised its rights to purchase 14 Boeing 777-9 aircraft, the company confirmed in a document submitted to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
The airline also mentioned an option to acquire up to seven additional Boeing 777-9 aircraft. Deliveries are planned up until 2034, according to another document sent to the exchange.
This announcement, with an unspecified value, adds to an order of 21 Boeing 777 aircraft made in 2013, bringing the total number of these long-haul planes Cathay Pacific will receive to 35.
“The order makes Cathay Pacific the largest operator of the 777-9 in the Asia-Pacific region,” highlighted Boeing.
The twin-engine aircraft, introduced in November 2013 and set to be produced in three versions – 777-8, 777-9, and 777-8 Freighter – was initially expected to begin deliveries in 2020.
The latest estimates indicate that deliveries will commence in 2026 for this model, which aims to be the largest operational twin-engine aircraft in the world.
Cathay announced this order during its first-half financial results, which showed a slight increase (+1%) in net profit to 3.6 billion Hong Kong dollars (401 million euros).
The airline benefited from a surge in demand for travel in Asia, contributing to a 9% rise in its revenue, reaching 54 billion dollars (5.9 billion euros).
