Cathay Pacific is analyzing Airbus and Boeing models to increase its fleet of widebody aircraft, focusing on mid-size, according to Bloomberg reports. The carrier has communicated with the manufacturers about the order but they are still in the early stages of negotiations.
The airline wants to incorporate this aircraft massively to increase capacity on existing routes, and new routes where the Boeing 777 or A350 is too large and also optimize its cargo business.
Cathay Pacific has the A330neo and 787 Dreamliner family options to satisfy its order in the mid-size widebody market. In the region, airlines such as Singapore Airlines and EVA Airways use the 787-10 on their regional and medium short-haul routes,
The airline already operates the two A350 variants mostly used on long-haul services. However, it could be too large an aircraft for Cathay’s needs, although Singapore Airlines has a regional A350 version for its short- and medium-range missions.
The A330neo would be an ideal competitor for its missions in Australia, China, India, the Middle East, and Australia. At the same time, a combination of the 787-9 and 787-10 will serve the regional and long-haul markets, with the option of opening new routes in Canada, the United States, and Europe.
Cathay Pacific has a fleet of 42 Airbus A330-300 and 17 Boeing 777-300 with advanced average age, and the company is probably looking to replace these units and find an aircraft that fits its needs.
The company has a fleet of 178 aircraft between activated and stored and is awaiting certification of the Boeing 777X for service, in addition to orders for the A320neo and A350 Freighter family.
