Cathay Pacific Airways announced a US$8.1 billion order for 14 Boeing 777-9 jets, marking its first transaction with the U.S. manufacturer in 12 years.
The Hong Kong-based airline retains the option to acquire seven additional planes, according to its statement Wednesday. The delivery of these aircraft is anticipated by 2034.
With this order, Cathay becomes one of the top buyers of the 777X, following Gulf carriers Emirates Airline and Qatar Airways.
 |
|
A Cathay Pacific aircraft. Photo by Reuters |
Cathay has so far committed to buy 35 Boeing 777-9 jets.
The announcement coincided with Cathay reporting a marginal increase in first-half profit, driven by robust air travel demand.
The airline recorded a net income of approximately HKD3.7 billion ($471 million) for the six months ending June 30, a 1.1% rise from the previous year.
Revenue grew by 9.5% to HKD54.3 billion.
This order provides a significant lift to Boeing’s 777X program, which awaits certification and is significantly delayed.
Cathay’s previous Boeing order was in 2013, and since then, Airbus has secured commitments for around 150 jets from the airline, according to Bloomberg.
“As a Group, our passenger airlines, Cathay Pacific and HK Express, have launched or announced 19 new destinations so far in 2025, with more still to come,” said Cathay Group chair Patrick Healy.
“We now fly to more than 100 passenger destinations globally, as we continue to enhance Hong Kong’s connectivity with the world.”
