HONG KONG- Cathay Pacific (CX) has placed a firm order for 14 Boeing 777-9 aircraft, valued at $8.1 billion, with options for seven more. This brings the airline’s total 777X commitment to 35 jets, reinforcing its investment in fleet renewal and international expansion out of Hong Kong International Airport (HKG).
The 777-9, Boeing’s newest widebody, is designed to reduce fuel consumption by 20% and noise by 40% compared to the aircraft it replaces. It will support Cathay’s global long-haul network and reduce per-seat operating costs while meeting growing post-pandemic travel demand.
Photo: Aero Icarus | FlickrCathay Pacific Orders 14 777X
Cathay Pacific has used the Boeing 777 family to anchor its international operations for over three decades.
The latest variant, the 777-9, is set to become the airline’s new flagship aircraft. With a range of 7,295 nautical miles (13,510 km), the aircraft will allow nonstop service between Hong Kong and key global destinations, supporting both passenger and cargo operations.
Ronald Lam, Cathay Group Chief Executive Officer, said the order aligns with the company’s strategy to modernise its fleet while maintaining Hong Kong’s role as a global aviation hub.
“We plan to expand and renew our fleet with the additional 777-9 aircraft, enabling us to continue our rich history of connecting the world with our Hong Kong hub,” he said.
Cathay is positioning itself to meet long-term travel demand growth with more fuel-efficient aircraft. The airline emphasized that the 777-9 offers world-class features that will help it compete as a premium global carrier.
In the first half of 2025, Cathay reported a profit of HK$3.65 billion (US$4.65 million). Total revenue rose 9.5 percent to US$6.92 billion, supported by higher passenger volumes, consistent cargo performance, and lower fuel prices. However, a 0.6 percent drop in profit margin was noted due to increased operational costs.
The airline also declared an interim dividend of HK$0.20 per share. Despite the positive results, Cathay’s share price fell over 9 percent following the earnings report, reflecting investor caution around rising expenses and underperformance at its low-cost subsidiary, HK Express.
Photo: Clément AlloingNetwork Expansion and Passenger Surge
Cathay’s network now covers over 100 destinations. In the first half of 2025 alone, it launched or announced 19 new routes, including the resumption of direct flights to Brussels (BRU).
Passenger traffic grew to 13.6 million in the same period — a 28 percent increase year-over-year — averaging 75,300 travellers per day.
This expansion reflects not just pent-up demand, but the airline’s effort to rebuild its pre-pandemic connectivity. The 777-9 will play a key role in adding long-haul capacity efficiently, especially on ultra-long-haul routes where fuel efficiency directly affects profitability.
Challenges Remain for Low-Cost Segment
HK Express, Cathay’s budget carrier, continues to face headwinds. Bookings are recovering more slowly than expected, and the airline has yet to regain pre-pandemic volume levels.
Ronald Lam and Chairman Patrick Healy both noted this as a near-term concern in their recent filings.
Rising operating costs across the group are also creating margin pressure, even as demand and capacity grow. However, Cathay maintains that fleet renewal and network optimisation will help mitigate these impacts over the long term.
Photo: Clément AlloingBoeing Partnership Strengthened
Boeing senior vice president Brad McMullen called the deal a “demonstration of the 777-9’s value” and praised Cathay’s leadership in delivering comfort and connectivity to global travellers.
The 777X programme now has over 550 aircraft on order from various carriers, sustaining manufacturing and supply chain operations in Everett, Washington, and beyond.
The 777-9 is part of Boeing’s push to offer more sustainable aviation solutions. Its environmental performance, combined with longer range and increased passenger comfort, aligns with airline goals to modernise operations without compromising service quality.
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