Cathay Pacific to expand Airbus fleet with six A330's

Cathay Pacific has signed a contract with Airbus for three additional A330-300, plus three further A330-300s from US leasing company ILFC. Deliveries of the new aircraft, powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 700 engines, are scheduled between 2005 and 2007.

Hong Kong based Cathay Pacific already operates one of the largest Airbus fleets in the Asia Pacific region, with 23 A330-300s, 15 A340-300s and three A340-600s currently in service. The airline operates its fleet of A330-300s on medium range regional routes, as well as on longer sectors to Australia. The A340-300s and A340-600s are deployed on ultra long-haul non-stop routes linking Hong Kong with destinations in Europe and North America. The A340-600s will inaugurate daily non stop services between Hong Kong and New York in July 2004.

Cathay Pacific Chief Executive Officer and Deputy Chairman David Turnbull said: "The addition of six more A330s ties in with our plans to grow the airline and shows our continued commitment to Hong Kong. The aircraft will be used to provide more services in the coming years, strengthening our network and at the same time helping to enhance Hong Kong's status as a leading global aviation hub. We will also be able to provide more job openings for local people."

Airbus President and Chief Executive Officer Noël Forgeard said: "It is remarkable how Cathay Pacific has dealt with the enormous challenges of the past 12 months. I am delighted to see this prestigious airline enjoy a dramatic recovery in business and select more A330-300s to match future traffic growth across the dynamic Asia-Pacific region."