Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific Airways is to buy six more wide-body, long-haul Airbus A350-900s, the largest of the new A350 variants which is designed to compete with Boeing's Dreamliner and its 777 series. The order is worth $1.63bn (£1.05bn) at catalogue prices although the airline says it has won significant discounts from the European planemaker.
The airline, which is controlled by conglomerate Swire Pacific, said the aircraft will be used mainly for destinations in Europe. They are scheduled for delivery between 2016 and 2017. The deal underscores the carrier's confidence in Asia's aviation market despite the problems the sector now faces, including high fuel costs and fragile consumer confidence because of concerns about the global economy.
Cathay Pacific has been investing heavily to increase its capacity and services as it competes with other carriers in the region. Last year it announced plans to buy 14 Boeing 777-300 extended range passenger aircraft and eight Boeing 777-200 freighters as well as 15 Airbus A330s and two Airbus A350-900s. Cathay Pacific now has nearly 100 aircraft on order for delivery by 2019, with a list price of around £14.85bn including 36 Airbus A350-900s to be delivered between 2016 and 2019. It also has agreements for two A350-900s on 12-year operating leases.
