Airbus: Cathay orders 14 more aircraft, 11 A330-900s and three A321neos
Hong Kong's aviation group has placed a firm order for 14 additional aircraft, comprising 11 A330-900s and three A321neos, Airbus announced from Toulouse on 11 November 2026.
According to the aircraft manufacturer, this order is part of the fleet modernisation and expansion programme being carried out by the airline.
Eleven A330-900 widebodies and three A321neo narrowbodies
The order covers two aircraft families. The 11 A330-900s are in addition to the 30 units ordered by the Cathay group in 2024, bringing its firm commitment for this model to 41.
The three A321neos complete an earlier order for 32 A321neo and A320neo aircraft placed in 2023. According to Airbus, these aircraft will serve the group's regional operations as well as its longer routes.
Cathay aims to cover Asia-Pacific and extend its flights
“The A330 and A320 families serve the Cathay group well, and we are pleased to add more of these latest-generation, fuel-efficient aircraft to our fleet,” said Alex McGowan, Director of Operations and Service Delivery at Cathay.
According to him, this order enables the group to “further expand and modernise” its fleet, supporting its regional operations in Asia-Pacific while offering “greater flexibility to operate longer flights”. It should also strengthen the connectivity of its Hong Kong transit hub.
Airbus highlights the fuel consumption of both models
For Benoit de Saint-Exupery, Executive Vice President Sales of Airbus Commercial Aircraft, both models give the airline “the flexibility to adapt capacity to demand”. He cites reduced fuel consumption and the benefits of a simplified Airbus fleet.
Powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, the A330neo can fly up to 15,000 kilometres without a stop. According to Airbus, it reduces fuel consumption, CO₂ emissions and operating costs by 25% compared with previous-generation competing aircraft.
The A320 family, which includes the A321neo, has recorded nearly 20,600 orders worldwide. The aircraft manufacturer attributes to it fuel savings and a reduction in CO₂ emissions of at least 20% compared with previous-generation narrowbodies.
