Hong Kong flag carrier Cathay Pacific this week ordered 14 more Boeing 777-9X aircraft, bringing its total order for the model to 35.
The airline said the more fuel efficient widebody jet will help reduce operating costs while also accommodating increased long-haul travel demand across its network. The 777-9 reduces fuel use by 20% compared to the older airplanes it is meant to replace.
“We plan to expand and renew our fleet with the additional 777-9 aircraft, enabling us to continue our rich history of connecting the world with our Hong Kong hub,” said Cathay Group CEO Ronald Lam. “Cathay Pacific aims to further strengthen our ongoing partnership with Boeing and leverage the world-class features of the new 777-9 as we strive to become the
world’s best premium airline.”
According to Boeing, Cathay Pacific will be the largest 777-9 operator in the Asia-Pacific market once the ordered aircraft are delivered.
The carrier’s current fleet consists of Boeing 777s and Airbus A321s, A330s, and A350s.
The aircraft deal was announced the same day Cathay Pacific reported slightly higher first-half profits, totalling about $465 million, stemming from increased passenger volume, lower fuel prices, and steady cargo performance. But that improvement was largely overshadowed by lower passenger yields and financial struggles at HK Express, Cathay Pacific’s low-cost subsidiary, which posted a first-half loss of about $66 million.
Airline officials said that while the HK segment faces “challenges,” they expect it to return to profitability in the long term.
Certification Woes
Certification of the 777X by the FAA and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency has been delayed numerous times over technical problems. A major setback came in 2020, when an “uncommanded pitch event” caused the aircraft’s nose to pitch up and down without input from the pilot. Inspectors also reported issues with the aircraft’s engines, manufacturing quality, and overall design.
Engineers have worked to resolve those problems, and certification testing formally resumed in January.
Boeing aims to complete certification for the 777X later this year or in early 2026 and start deliveries next year. Lufthansa will be the first airline to take delivery of the aircraft.
If the 777X does enter service in 2026, it will do so six years behind schedule.
