Hong Kong flag carrier Cathay Pacific has ordered 14 more Airbus aircraft, exercising purchase rights for 11 widebody A330-900 jets and three narrowbody A321neo jets as part of its fleet expansion and renewal plan, the airline said on Wednesday.

The additional A330-900s take Cathay's total orders for the A330neo family to 41, on top of the 30 it ordered in 2024. The new aircraft will gradually replace the airline's existing jets in the category, mainly serving regional routes across Asia, with the flexibility to operate longer-haul services later.

Deliveries due between 2031 and 2035

The 11 widebody aircraft are expected to be delivered between 2031 and 2035 and will come with improved fuel efficiency. The 11 jets carry a basic list price of about US$5.11 billion, although Cathay said it had negotiated a discounted price with Airbus.

The three extra A321neo jets, beyond the 32 A321neo and A320neo aircraft ordered in 2023, will support the group's budget arm, HK Express, with a focus on destinations in mainland China and other short-haul routes.

120 aircraft due from 2026

Chief executive Ronald Lam said the latest orders bring Cathay's total aircraft deliveries from 2026 to 120, moving the group closer to its plan of 150 new aircraft deliveries.

The order underlines Cathay's long-term growth ambitions as it rebuilds and modernises its fleet after the pandemic, with the A330neo set to become the backbone of its regional widebody operations.