Cathay Pacific order 7 x 777-300ER & 10 x 747-8F

Cathay Pacific have ordered more aircaft from Boeing today just before the start of the dubai airshow.

The order includes 7 more B777-300ER’s to take their total firm order for the model to 30, and 10 new b747-800 Freighters with the option of 14 extra Purchase Right for the type.

Here’s the press release from there website.

Cathay Pacific places order for 17 more new aircraft
8 November 2007

Cathay Pacific Airways today announced its biggest-ever direct-purchase commitment for new aircraft, placing firm orders for 10 Boeing 747-8 Freighters and a further seven Boeing 777-300ER passenger aircraft directly from the Boeing Company. The airline has also taken up purchase rights for another 14 of the new freighter type.

The announcement for the new aircraft order – valued at approximately US$5.2 billion at list prices – comes as Cathay Pacific continues to expand its fleet and further develop its passenger and cargo services to further strengthen Hong Kong’s position as a leading international aviation hub.

The airline currently operates 19 freighters and before today’s announcement already had commitments for eight more – six Boeing 747-400ERF Extended Range Freighters and two 747-400BCF Boeing Converted Freighters – for delivery by 2009. The addition of the 10 new Boeing 747-8F new-generation freighters will enhance the airline’s cargo capacity and at the same time allow it to begin a phased withdrawal of its fleet of seven older, less fuel-efficient Boeing 747-200F “Classic” freighters by 2012.

The order for additional Boeing 777-300ER passenger aircraft means Cathay Pacific now has a firm commitment for 30 of the aircraft type for delivery by 2012, making it the largest such commitment of any airline in Asia for the 777-300ER. Three have already been delivered and will be used to operate the airline’s fast-expanding long-haul services primarily to North America, starting with the third daily flight to New York which launches 15 November.

http://www.cathaypacific.com/cpa/en_INTL/homepage Click on the press release on the right side of the screen