Air Transport

Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific Airways has placed firm orders for ten Boeing 747-8 freighters and seven more Boeing 777-300ERs, together with purchase rights on another 14 747-8Fs.

Cathay currently operates 19 freighters and has a further eight more 747-400 freighters due for delivery by 2009.

It says the addition of the 10 747-8Fs will enhance the airline’s cargo capacity and allow it to begin a phased withdrawal of its fleet of seven Boeing 747-200Fs by 2012.

© Boeing The addition of the 10 747-8Fs will enhance the airline’s cargo capacity and allow it to begin a phased withdrawal of its fleet of seven Boeing 747-200Fs by 2012

The 747-8F is powered by General Electric’s GEnx powerplant.

Cathay’s follow-on order for 777-300ERs takes its firm commitment to the type to 30 for delivery by 2012. It has already taken delivery of its first three. The aircraft are powered exclusively by General Electric GE90 engines.

© Boeing

Cathay Pacific CEO Tony Tyler says: “These orders highlight our long-term confidence in the future of both the cargo and passenger markets in Hong Kong and confirm our commitment to developing our home city as one of the world’s premier aviation hubs.”

© Cathay Pacific Cathay’s follow-on order for 777-300ERs takes its firm commitment to the type to 30 for delivery by 2012. It has already taken delivery of its first three

The aircraft on firm order announced today are scheduled for delivery between 2009 and 2012.