Cathay Group Plans Further Aircraft Orders Across Fleet Types as CEO Signals Continued 2026 Expansion

Hong Kong – Cathay Pacific Group CEO Ronald Lam has confirmed that the Hong Kong-based airline group is planning additional aircraft orders across widebody, narrowbody, and freighter categories, positioning the next decade as a golden period of expansion anchored by the ramp-up of Hong Kong Airport's third runway.

• Cathay Pacific already has more than 100 aircraft on order, including long-delayed Boeing 777X long-haul jets, Airbus A350 freighters, and Airbus A320neo aircraft for low-cost subsidiary HK Express; Lam indicated further orders could include fresh commitments and the exercise of existing options.
• HK Express will maintain an Airbus-only narrowbody fleet, with Lam ruling out Boeing for the subsidiary's short-haul operations.
• Despite elevated fuel costs resulting from the Middle East conflict, Lam confirmed Cathay Pacific does not plan to cut further flight capacity and remains on track to achieve 10% capacity growth in 2026.

Statements

• "There will be more orders for sure," said Ronald Lam, CEO, Cathay Pacific.
• "The next 10 years is a golden opportunity for Cathay Group's expansion," said Ronald Lam, CEO, Cathay Pacific.

Source: Cathay Pacific