Cathay Pacific Airways (CX) is conducting a wide-body buying programme, centred on long-range twin-engine jets. It is expected to finalise orders within the year.
Media reports have quoted the airline’s chief executive Tony Tyler confirming they were “evaluating new-generation Airbus A350 and Boeing B787 aircraft”. When asked about the A380, he has consistently maintained that CX had "no near-term interest" in acquiring the superjumbo.
Airbus, however, remains hopeful that policy will change. CX took part in the early A3XX – as the A380 was named then – customer focus group meeting over a decade ago.
CX, owner of 20 Boeing B747s, is responding to growing market demand with the purchase of new aircraft. It already owns 32 A330-300s and 17 B777-300ERs and holds orders for eight A330-300s and 13 B777-300ERs (plus six options).
Margie T Logarta
