Boeing and Cathay Pacific Airways have celebrated the delivery of the airline’s 50th 777-300ER.

With this delivery, Cathay Pacific will have 67 777s in operation, which also includes 12 777-300s and five 777-200s.

Cathay Pacific is slated to receive three more 777-300ERs this year and is one of the launch customers for the 777X with 21 777-9X airplanes on order.

“The 777-300ER forms the backbone of our long-haul fleet,” said Ivan Chu, chief executive, Cathay Pacific Airways.

“We operate the largest 777-300ER fleet in Asia, and this super-efficient long haul aircraft allows us to operate multiple daily frequencies to intercontinental markets, which gives our customers a lot of choices.”

The 777-300ER is the most fuel and cost-efficient airplane in its class as well as the most reliable twin-aisle aircraft in the world.

It also has the highest cargo capability of any passenger airplane. 

The 777-300ER will receive further improvements in 2016 designed to reduce fuel use by two per cent.

“We truly value the confidence Cathay Pacific have demonstrated in the 777 program as well as Boeing’s products and services across the board,” said Ihssane Mounir, senior vice president of sales for north-east Asia, Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

“We are honoured that the 777-300ER continues to play a prominent role in the success of Cathay Pacific’s business expansion and we look forward to expanding our partnership with the new 777X in the years to come.”

Cathay Pacific group operates flights to nearly 100 destinations worldwide with its own fleet of more than 200 aircraft.