Cathay extends 2013 Boeing 777-9 order with new purchase for 14 more aircraft

Cathay Pacific is increasing its 2013 order for 21 Boeing 777-9 jets by exercising its option for 14 more of the as-yet-uncertified aircraft. 

News of the expanded order was announced alongside Cathay Pacific’s half-year financial results, which saw profits increase by 1% to $474 million (HK$3.7 billion). 

On August 6, 2025, Cathay said that the additional order brings its total investment to well over $12.8 billion (HK$100 billion), which also includes new cabin products, lounges and digital innovation. 

“Over the past few years, we have embarked on an all-encompassing fleet renewal and expansion plan, which includes orders for over 100 new narrowbody, regional widebody, long-haul widebody and large freighter aircraft,” said Cathay Group Chair Patrick Healy. 

The Hong Kong-based carrier initially placed an order for 21 Boeing 777-9 aircraft in 2013, with deliveries originally scheduled between 2021 and 2024. The first aircraft is now expected to arrive in 2027. 

Boeing“Cathay Pacific aims to further strengthen our ongoing partnership with Boeing and leverage the world-class features of the new 777-9 as we strive to become the world’s best premium airline,” said Ronald Lam, Cathay Group CEO. 

The 777-9 is part of Boeing’s 777X family, the latest generation of its long-range widebody aircraft. The program also includes the smaller 777-8. 

“We are proud to support Cathay Pacific’s continued leadership as one of the world’s top airlines and introduce the 777-9 as their future flagship airplane. This latest order demonstrates the value of the 777-9 and further strengthens the airline’s tradition of delivering superb comfort, convenience and connectivity to passengers for years to come,” said Brad McMullen, Boeing Senior Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing. 

Cathay half year update 

Cathay said that its slight increase in profits was the result of “increased passenger capacity and volumes albeit at lower yields, a resilient cargo business and lower fuel costs”. 

The company revenues for the first six months of 2025 stood at $6.9 billion (HK$54 billion) an increase of 9.5% from the same period last year. 

The company said it was “pleased” with its “solid financial performance and other achievements in the first half of 2025, especially within the context of what has been an uncertain business environment”. 

“Over the past few years, we have built a strong foundation that has made us more resilient than ever before. This has enabled us to navigate through the uncertainty and continue expanding our network for Hong Kong and elevating the experience for our customers,” Healy said.  

He added: “Our first-half result was driven by higher passenger volumes albeit with lower yields, a consistent cargo performance, and lower fuel price compared with the same period in 2024.” 

Cathay Cargo’s revenue in the first half of 2025 increased by 2.2% with a total tonnage rise of 11.4% and a load factor of 58.6%. 

“We remain fully confident in and committed to the Hong Kong international aviation hub, demonstrated by our investments totalling well over HK$100 billion in our fleet, cabin and lounge products, and digital innovation. Looking ahead, travel demand for Cathay Pacific remains robust and we will continue to add more flights and destinations for our customers, in addition to introducing more customer experience enhancements,” added Healy. 

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