Cathay Pacific makes biggest ever order for freighter fleet expansion

The six new aircrafts are scheduled to arrive between May 2008 and April 2009. Cathay Pacific currently operates 97 aircraft, 14 of which are freighters, including one 747-400BCF, Boeing Converted Freighters, six 747-400 and seven 747-200 freighters. Cathay Pacific currently flies 44 cargo flights per week out of Dubai, to Hong Kong and Europe. In 1997, there were just six freighters in the airline. This latest investment, together with an outstanding order of five 747-400BCFs, will further expand Cathay Pacific's freighter fleet.

"This latest investment further underscores our long-term commitment to invest in Hong Kong, and is an expression of our confidence in Hong Kong as the premier aviation hub in the Asia Pacific region," commented James Evans, Country Manager for UAE and Oman. "Cargo is a major contributor to our continued growth, and we are committed to expanding our freighter fleet to ensure it plays a key role in the future of both Cathay Pacific and Hong Kong as a leading cargo hub," he further added.

The 747-400ERF has a maximum payload of 248,600 pounds (112,760 kg) and can carry 22,000 pounds (9,980 kg) more than other 747-400 freighters on long-range flights at maximum takeoff weight. It has a maximum range of 9,200 km, about 525 km farther than other 747-400 freighters, and has a strengthened fuselage, landing gear and parts of its wing, along with new, larger tyres.

The airline took delivery of the world's first 747-400BCF in December last year. A second is due next month and a third in September this year. Three more will enter service in 2007. The airline has retained its options on a further six 747-400BCFs which are now scheduled for delivery from the end of 2008 to 2010.

Cathay Pacific last month added the 28th online freighter destination to its network with the launch of a new twice-weekly service to Chennai, India. More new freighter destinations services to Stockholm and Toronto are due to be launched later this year as part of the airline's plan to build its network, thereby strengthening Hong Kong's hub position. Freighter services to Stockholm will operate as extensions to Cathay Pacific's existing flights to Munich, which operate via Dubai.