Cathay Pacific Airways has placed its biggest ever order for new aircraft to grow the airline, modernise
and expand its fleet and continue to strengthen Hong Kong as a global aviation
hub.The airline has made commitments for 16 advanced wide-body Boeing 777-
300ER aircraft with purchase rights for 20 more. It also made commitments to
acquire three Airbus A330-300s to operate regional routes.
  The 777-300ER’s will be acquired through a combination of 12 direct
purchases from The Boeing Company and four operating leases from International
Lease Finance Corporation. The three new A330-300s will also be
acquired via operating leases from ILFC.
  The 777-300ER will be powered by General Electric GE90-115B engines and
the Airbus A330-300 by the Rolls-Royce Trent 700. The 16 777-300ERs will be
delivered between September 2007 and July 2010. All three Airbus A330-300s
will be delivered in 2008.
  Cathay Pacific Chief Executive Philip Chen said:  “These aircraft orders
mark an exciting and significant milestone in the development of our airline
—demonstrating our Board’s confidence in the long-term future of the airline
and Hong Kong. The addition of these new aircraft to the 100 we will have by
next year will make us a carrier of significant size.”
  Mr. Chen added:  “More aircraft will allow us to have more flights, new
destinations and greater hub connections. This rapid fleet increase will
enhance our strength as a carrier and Hong Kong’s position as a global hub and
gateway to the Chinese Mainland. This is a long-term commitment to the
continued profitable growth of the airline. It puts us firmly on a footing for
future success.”
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