Aircraft

Cathay Pacific Airways has confirmed its selection of the Boeing 777-300ER over the Airbus A340-600, ordering 12 of the new type and leasing four more from International Lease Finance (ILFC).

The Hong-Kong-based carrier will receive the first of the 16 777-300ERs in September 2007. It also has options for 20 more and is expected to place several follow-on orders.

The deal sets Boeing up for its most successful year in sales terms for the 777 since its launch in 1990, with the order tally this year so far standing at 120 aircraft. The rejection of the A340-600 by Cathay – which operates three of the type on lease from ILFC – is another blow for Airbus after a poor sales year for the quad with just 14 orders announced so far. The ultra-long-haul routes served by Cathay’s A340-600s will likely be shifted to the 777-300ER. Flight International reported late last month Cathay was closing in on a major order and was leaning towards the 777-300ER.

There was some good news for Airbus, with Cathay upping its commitment to the A330-300 by agreeing to lease three more from ILFC. Cathay operates 26 Rolls-Royce Trent-powered A330-300s and has an outstanding order for three more.

ILFC will also supply four 777-300ERs to Cathay. The carrier now operates 16 777-200/300s on regional routes but until last week had not placed any orders for extended-range variants.