(IN BRIEF) Cathay Group’s order for 30 Airbus A330-900 aircraft underscores its commitment to fleet modernization and sustainability. These new aircraft will enhance Cathay’s operational flexibility and fuel efficiency, supporting its regional and long-haul routes while contributing to its net-zero emissions goal by 2050.
(PRESS RELEASE) TOULOUSE, 8-AUG-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Cathay Group has placed a firm order with Airbus for 30 A330-900 widebody aircraft, as part of its mid-size widebody fleet renewal programme. This order will allow Cathay to update its A330-300 fleet and enhance its regional and long-haul operations. The new aircraft will be powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, offering improved fuel efficiency and reduced carbon emissions.
Ronald Lam, Cathay Group Chief Executive Officer, expressed the significance of this order: “As Cathay completes the final stretch of its rebuilding journey, we are turning the page to modernization and growth, both in terms of scope and quality. 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.”
Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Executive Officer, Commercial Aircraft, highlighted the advantages of the A330neo: “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. In addition, the award-winning Airspace cabin provides a whole new flight experience. At Cathay, the A330neo will become the backbone of its regional widebody operations, with the versatility to operate on longer routes. Together with its A320 Family and A350 fleets, the airline will be able to take full benefit from the unique synergies of the latest generation Airbus product line.”
The A330-900 is capable of flying 7,200 nautical miles (13,330 kilometers) non-stop and features the award-winning Airspace cabin, which enhances the passenger experience. Additionally, the A330neo can operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), with the goal of increasing this to 100% by 2030.
As of the end of July, the A330 Family had secured 1,805 firm orders from over 130 customers globally, with 1,469 aircraft currently in service on long, medium, and short-haul routes.
Belinda Ng
Communications – Airbus Asia-Pacific
Phone: +65 9683 6361
belinda.ng@airbus.com
Justin Dubon
External Communications – Commercial Aircraft
Phone: +33674974951
justin.dubon@airbus.com
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First published in this link of EuropaWIRE.
