Cathay Pacific could become a future customer of the Boeing 777-8F, as reported by Reuters. The airline is on the verge of placing an order for «half a dozen» of these aircraft as part of its cargo fleet renewal process.
Without considering possible discounts, the order would have a value of around two billion dollars at current list prices.
See also: Cathay Pacific is in talks with Airbus and Boeing to renew its cargo fleet
Cathay Pacific would opt for the 777-8F
According to the news agency’s report, the carrier would choose the new development from the American manufacturer and dismiss the future cargo version of the Airbus A350. Both types would naturally compete with each other in their segment.
In September 2022, it was revealed that the company was in talks with the two largest aircraft manufacturers in the world, with the intention of advancing the process of renewing its fleet. Two months later, Cathay Pacific representatives announced that they were actively working on finalizing aircraft orders that could be delivered starting from 2025.
Cathay Pacific plans to replace its Boeing 747-400F aircraft. Currently, the company operates six aircraft of this type, which are about ten years old on average. The cargo division also has fourteen 747-8F aircraft with an average age of around fourteen years, according to company reports.
The Boeing 777-8F will have the capacity to carry up to ten tons more payload compared to the currently operational 777 Freighters. Additionally, it will reduce fuel consumption by around 10%, as well as carbon dioxide emissions and operating costs per ton. In that sense, the new additions would increase overall efficiency.
Moreover, the expansion and modernization of cargo fleets by close competitors are incentives for the Hong Kong-based airline to take the same path and improve the performance of its fleet. All Nippon Airways, Korean Air, Singapore Airlines, and Qatar Airways are some of the companies that have announced their intention or confirmed orders for the latest generation of cargo aircraft in recent months.
See also: All Nippon Airways signs for 20 Boeing 737 MAX and converts orders to 777-8 Freighter
