Cathay, a leading airline based in Hong Kong, has announced the purchase of six A350F aircraft, signifying a significant expansion of its cargo division, Cathay Cargo. This strategic acquisition is set to enhance the airline’s fleet efficiency and extend its global network reach.
The A350F, an aircraft under development, is designed to carry a payload of up to 111 tonnes and has a range of 4,700 nautical miles or 8,700 kilometres. According to Airbus it stands out in the market for its ability to operate at a considerably lower cost than existing freighters, making it an ideal choice for major cargo routes, including the key Hong Kong to Anchorage route.
Ronald Lam, Cathay Group’s Chief Executive Officer, expressed enthusiasm about this development. «As we move into 2024, our rebuild journey is gaining momentum. This order marks another major component in our investment for the future. It reflects Cathay’s confidence in the Hong Kong hub as we look ahead to the opportunities provided by the Three-Runway System,» Lam stated. He further highlighted the aircraft’s alignment with the company’s sustainability objectives, saying, «These highly fuel-efficient, next-generation freighters will provide important additional cargo capacity, expand our global network and contribute to our sustainability leadership goals.”
Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of International, Christian Scherer, also commented on the deal, recognizing Cathay’s role as a global air-cargo operator. “There’s a new standard in the cargo space and we are gratified that such a savvy global air-cargo operator as Cathay has joined the growing number of reference players in the air-freight industry selecting the A350F,” Scherer remarked. He emphasized the A350F’s compatibility with Cathay’s existing A350 passenger fleet and its potential to revolutionize cargo markets with reduced operating costs and significant carbon emission reductions.
The A350F is powered by the latest technology Rolls-Royce Trent-XWB97 engines, enabling a reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions of up to 40% when compared with older models like the 747F. It is also at least 20% more efficient than its closest competitor.
Featuring the industry’s largest main deck cargo door and optimized for standard pallets and containers, the A350F also stands out for its construction, with over 70% of the airframe made from advanced materials. This results in a take-off weight that is 46 tonnes lighter than competing models. Additionally, the A350F is the only freighter that will fully meet the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) upcoming CO₂ emissions standards, effective from 2027.
Cathay’s current fleet includes 47 A350 aircraft, comprising both A350-900 and A350-1000 models, primarily used on long-haul routes. The introduction of the A350F further cements Cathay’s status as a major operator of this advanced aircraft family.
