Delivery of the order is anticipated to begin in 2027, thus it may be imminent.
Reuters claims that Cathay Pacific (CX) would soon announce a purchase of six brand-new Boeing 777-8 Freighters. The order, which is expected to cost roughly $2 billion, will be used to partially replace the 747 fleet of the airline.
Given that Cathay was considering a cargo version of the well-liked Airbus A350, which is one of the top five cargo airlines in the world, the decision to go with Boeing will be seen as a big victory for the aircraft manufacturer and a sore loss for Airbus. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Cathay Pacific Cargo is the world’s fifth-largest air freight carrier, trailing only FedEx, UPS, Qatar Airways, and Emirates.
When approached by Reuters, Cathay Pacific declined to confirm or deny their requests, stating:
“We continue to expand our fleet by purchasing brand-new, cutting-edge, and fuel-efficient aircraft. At this time, we have no specific fleet-related updates or announcements to provide.
Also no word from Boeing
Due to commercial sensitivity, the winner, Boeing, refuses to comment. In January 2022, the aircraft manufacturer introduced the 777-8F version, and Qatar Airways Cargo (QR), based in Doha, placed a straight order.
The conversation between Cathay and aircraft manufacturers about potential future investments in its cargo business was examined in November. According to Reuters, a 777-8F order should result in the plane entering service by 2027.Currently, Cathay Pacific is home to six elderly 747-400F aircraft with an average age of 15 years, as well as 14 747-800F aircraft with ages ranging from ten to up to fifteen years.
Not the original 777X
The Hong Kong-based carrier has already placed an order for a passenger version of the Boeing 777 since 2013. CX ordered 21 widebodies with a multi-cabin configuration with a capacity of up to 426 passengers. As a result of the pandemic, which had a significant impact on the airline’s operations, the company even thought about lowering its current order for the 777X.
Delivery starting in 2027
Boeing introduced the 777-8F type in January 2022 after receiving a 34-unit order from Qatar. The next-generation model, which is based on the popular 777-8 variation’s structure, has gained popularity; at the Farnborough Air Show last summer, Cargolux ordered ten of the variant.
According to Cargolux, the decision to gradually replace the fleet of 747-400 aircraft had been anticipated for many years due to recent substantial developments in aviation technology.
The freighter is a great option for the cargo airline because it has significantly lower operating costs than the 747-400. Additionally, it runs with a substantially lower noise profile, which is crucial for the European air freight operator seeking to significantly reduce noise pollution.
