Cathay orders more A330-900 and A321neo aircraft

Hong Kong-based Cathay Group has placed a firm order for 14 additional Airbus aircraft, including 11 A330-900s and three A321neos, as part of its ongoing fleet modernisation and expansion plans.

The additional 11 A330-900s build on Cathay Group’s 2024 order for 30 aircraft, bringing its total firm order for the type to 41. The three A321neos add to the Group’s previous order for 32 A321neo and A320neo aircraft placed in 2023.

The next-generation, fuel-efficient aircraft will support Cathay Group’s regional and long-haul operations, while improving passenger comfort and helping the Group achieve its sustainability goals.

“The A330 and A320 aircraft families have been serving the Cathay Group well, and we are pleased to be adding more of these state-of-the-art, fuel-efficient aircraft to our fleet,” said Alex McGowan, Cathay Chief Operations and Service Delivery Officer. “This latest order for 14 additional A330-900s and A321neos enables us to further expand and upgrade our fleet, supporting not only our regional operations across Asia-Pacific, but also providing greater flexibility to operate longer flights, further strengthening connectivity at our home hub, Hong Kong.”

“This additional order from the Cathay Group, an experienced operator of the A330ceo and the A320 Family, is a strong endorsement of the value these aircraft bring in supporting the airline’s growth,” said Benoit de Saint-Exupery, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business. “Together the A330-900 and A321neo aircraft give the airline the flexibility to match capacity to demand, bringing versatility while benefiting from lower fuel burn and the efficiencies of a streamlined Airbus fleet. We are proud to support the Cathay Group through its exciting next stage of fleet renewal and growth.”

Powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, the A330neo can fly up to 8,100 nautical miles (15,000 kilometres) non-stop. It also offers a 25% reduction in fuel consumption, CO₂ emissions and operating costs compared with previous-generation competitor aircraft. Its Airspace cabin is designed to provide passengers and crew with a comfortable in-flight experience.

The Airbus A320 Family is the world's most popular single-aisle aircraft family, with nearly 20,600 orders worldwide. Its largest variant, the A321neo, offers extended range and performance. The family delivers at least 20% lower fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions compared with previous-generation single-aisle aircraft, while offering passengers one of the widest cabins in its class.