{"id":40715,"date":"2023-08-03T13:19:26","date_gmt":"2023-08-03T07:49:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/?p=40715"},"modified":"2023-09-29T16:58:06","modified_gmt":"2023-09-29T11:28:06","slug":"cathay-pacific-close-to-lease-new-a321neos-says-bloomberg","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/2023\/08\/03\/cathay-pacific-close-to-lease-new-a321neos-says-bloomberg\/","title":{"rendered":"Cathay Pacific Close to Lease New A321neos, says Bloomberg"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

HONG KONG-<\/strong> Cathay Pacific (CX)<\/a> is reportedly nearing an agreement to lease 18 Airbus<\/a> A321neos, the most substantial single-aisle aircraft, in order to strengthen its short-haul fleet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sources familiar with the matter have revealed to Bloomberg <\/a><\/em>that the airline aims to deliver the A321neos<\/a> between late 2025 and 2027. However, the individuals are anonymously sharing this information as the discussions are not public.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Cathay
Photo: Cathay Pacific<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Cathay Pacific to Lease 18 A321neos<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Cathay is collaborating with leasing companies with existing orders, enabling them to acquire the aircraft more promptly than if they were to engage Airbus directly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As Airbus has almost filled up its delivery slots for A320neo-family aircraft until 2029, Cathay is pursuing this route to expedite its acquisition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Increased demand for aircraft due to significant orders placed by airlines like IndiGo (6E)<\/a> has led to leasing firms becoming an attractive option for securing planes for various operators.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Securing 18 aircraft through this arrangement would contribute to Cathay’s objective of obtaining leased planes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In March, Bloomberg News<\/em> disclosed that Cathay and its low-cost subsidiary HK Express could potentially acquire up to 50 A320-family aircraft from leasing companies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As indicated by the sources, Cathay is currently in discussions with only a limited number of lessors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Cathay
Photo: Cathay Pacific<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Investment in New Aircraft<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As the airline group rebounds from the impact of the Covid pandemic, it is firmly dedicated to substantial investments in aircraft for the purpose of rejuvenating and enlarging its fleet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This expansion phase is strategically aligned with the development of a third runway at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG). It is anticipated to conclude by the end of 2024. This runway addition will result in a 50% increase in capacity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Currently, the carrier is in the process of conducting a review aimed at replacing its existing fleet of 43 Airbus A330 widebody aircraft. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These planes are predominantly deployed for short- and medium-haul flights within the Asia Pacific region. Additionally, the airline aims to incorporate more freighter aircraft into its fleet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a statement, Cathay stated that it remains committed to expanding its fleet through the inclusion of modern, fuel-efficient aircraft. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the company refrained from providing any specific updates or announcements concerning its fleet at this time. On the other hand, Airbus declined to provide comments on the matter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Cathay Pacific Group, which encompasses Air Hong Kong, an all-cargo carrier, currently operates a fleet of 225 aircraft. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Its initial order comprised 32 A321neos, evenly divided between Cathay and HK Express. Among these, 12 are in operation for Cathay, and one has been deployed for its low-cost subsidiary. Notably, Airbus serves as the exclusive supplier for its single-aisle aircraft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Photo: Cathay Pacific<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

CEO Remarks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

During a March interview, Cathay’s CEO Ronald Lam stated that the airline was in the process of evaluating various possibilities concerning new aircraft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lam mentioned, “We have requirements for replacing our wide-body fleet and expanding our narrow-body fleet. We intend to explore all available options to ensure that we secure the most fitting agreements.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Join us on Telegram Group <\/a>for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
Cathay Pacific Seals the Deal with Airbus for 32 New A321neo<\/a><\/blockquote>