Cathay in talks with Boeing, Airbus to refresh aging cargo fleet

Cathay Pacific is in talks with Airbus and Boeing about buying next-generation freighter aircraft as it seeks to renew and replace some of its cargo jets, people familiar with the matter said. Hong Kong’s main carrier, also one of the world’s biggest cargo airlines by capacity, is mulling purchasing either Airbus A350 freighters or Boeing 777-8F jets, the people said, declining to be identified because the discussions are private. Cathay could buy as many as six new freighters, one of the people said. Cathay is currently evaluating the specifications and capabilities of both aircraft types and hasn’t determined how many new freighters it may order, the people said. While it’s studying the current generation of Boeing 777 cargo plane and freighter conversions, Cathay has traditionally favored new builds. Cathay said in a statement that it is “constantly looking into our freighter fleet requirements” but has “not come to any decision whatsoever,” reiterating comments given by CEO Augustus Tang to Bloomberg News in June. Boeing declined to comment; Airbus said it doesn’t comment on discussions with customers. Cathay recently restored its freighter aircraft operations to full capacity, the first time it was able to mount a complete schedule after suffering under Hong Kong’s strict Covid-19 rules. The airline’s cargo fleet operates up to 100 freighter flights per week.<br/>