Cathay Pacific evaluates mid-sized widebodies for A330 replacement

Cathay Pacific is in for a sizeable order for mid-sized widebodies as it intends to replace its aging Airbus A330s and Boeing 777s over the next few years. The Hong Kong-based carrier has issued a request for information to Airbus and Boeing, Bloomberg and Reuters have reported, which is the first phase of a tender.

Cathay Pacific has a fleet of 42 A330-300s with an average age of just over 15 years old. The oldest aircraft were delivered in August 2001 and are over 22 years old, while some leased aircraft are close to 23 years old. Most A330s have been brought back out of storage, but two remain parked in Alice Springs and Hong Kong respectively. The 777 fleet eligible for replacement includes 17 -300s, which are also over 22 years old. The -200s left the fleet in early 2019.