Cathay Pacific is considering adding up to 50 widebody aircraft to its order book as it plans for growth and fleet renewal through the 2030s. The Hong Kong-based airline could decide as early as November whether to place new orders or exercise existing purchase options, potentially covering both widebody and single-aisle aircraft. No manufacturer, aircraft type or firm commitment has been selected.
Formal discussions with Airbus and Boeing are expected to begin in 2027. The reported plan is intended to secure future capacity rather than address an immediate shortage, with deliveries envisaged during the 2030s. The quantity, Airbus-Boeing split and delivery schedule remain undecided.
Cathay already has orders for 30 Airbus A330-900s and 35 Boeing 777-9s, with deliveries running from 2027 to 2034. Its current long-haul passenger fleet includes Airbus A330-300s, A350-900s and A350-1000s, alongside Boeing 777-300s and 777-300ERs.
Chief executive Ronald Lam has characterised the 2030s as a decade of growth for the airline. Cathay has not confirmed the reported number and has maintained that it regularly reassesses its aircraft requirements while declining to comment on market speculation.