Cathay Pacific could be the next customer for the 777-8F, Boeing’s new high-capacity freighter. According to Reuters, the announcement of the order is close and should involve six aircraft.
The Hong Kong-based carrier’s plan is to replace its aging 747-400Fs, of which it has six aircraft in service with an average age of 15 years.
In addition to them, the cargo division operates another 14 747-8Fs, with around 10 years in service.
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Cathay has been a 777X customer since 2013, when it closed an order for 21 of these widebodies with the capacity to carry 426 passengers or more.
In 2021, however, the airline even considered a reduction in the order, amid the problems caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Also according to Reuters, Cathay was torn between ordering the 777-8F, which should enter service from 2027 onwards, or opting for the A350F, a freighter variant of the Airbus widebody.
The airline also has an extensive fleet of A350s, including the A350-900 and A350-1000 variants, which total 46 aircraft in service.
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Cathay Pacific’s fleet comprises 42 A330s and 56 Boeing 777s, as well as 15 single-aisle jets from the A320 family.