Reuters reports that six new Boeing 777-8 Freighters have been ordered by Cathay Pacific (CX). The anticipated $2 billion contract will be used to partially renew the airline’s ageing 747 fleet.
Being one of the top five cargo airlines worldwide, Cathay’s decision to go with Boeing will be seen as a major victory for the aircraft maker and a blow to Airbus, which was exploring a cargo version of the well-liked Airbus A350. Compared to FedEx, UPS, Qatar Airways, and Emirates, Cathay Pacific Cargo is the fifth-largest air freight carrier in the world (IATA, International Air Transport Association).
Cathay Pacific was approached by Reuters but did not confirm or deny their requests, noting:
“With the acquisition of new, cutting-edge, fuel-efficient aircraft, we continue to invest in and expand our fleet. We don’t currently have any fleet-related updates or announcements to make.
Boeing has also been silent.
Due to the sensitive nature of the award, Boeing declined to comment. With a direct order from Qatar Airways Cargo (QR), based in Doha, the aircraft manufacturer debuted the 777-8F variant in January 2022.
Last November, an analysis of Cathay’s discussion over additional investment in its cargo operations revealed that the airline had stated it was “actively” looking with aircraft manufacturers. Reuters reports that a 777-8F order should have the aircraft in service by 2027.Six elderly 747-400F, with an average age of 15 years, as well as 14 747-800F, with ages ranging from 10 to up to fifteen years, are now operated by Cathay Pacific.
Not the initial 777X.
The Hong Kong-based carrier has previously ordered the passenger version of the Boeing 777, so it won’t be entirely unfamiliar to them. CX ordered 21 widebodies with a multi-cabin configuration and a maximum passenger capacity of 426. The airline even thought about canceling its unfulfilled order for the 777X during the pandemic since its operations were so negatively impacted.
From 2027 onwards
In January 2022, Boeing introduced the 777-8F model after receiving a 34-unit order from Qatar. Cargolux ordered 10 of the next-generation model at the Farnborough Air Show last summer, which is based on the frame of the well-liked 777-8 variant.
The decision to gradually replace the fleet of 747-400 aircraft had been anticipated for many years, as observed by Cargolux, given the recent major developments in aviation technology.
Given that its operating costs are far lower than those of the 747-400, the freighter is a fantastic option for cargo air carriers. The European air freight company, which seeks to drastically reduce noise pollution, finds that it also runs with a much lower noise profile to be extremely crucial.
