Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific Airways continues to modernize its fleet, announcing plans to convert 16 of its previously ordered Airbus A350-900 aircraft into larger Airbus A350-1000 aircraft.
It also wants to exercise an option to purchase an additional 10 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, the company said in a July 10 statement.
The list price of the 10 aircraft is about HK$25 billion, and the incremental list price for the conversion is about HK$8 billion.
The company board is expected to consider the proposal when it meets on August 8, 2012.
“This is an important and strategic development for Cathay Pacific. The A350-1000 aircraft will bring us world-beating fuel efficiency and environmental friendliness,” John Slosar, Cathay Pacific chief executive, said.
Following this latest order, the airline will have 22 Airbus A350-900s and 26 Airbus A350-1000s on order. It currently operates a fleet of 135 wide-body aircraft.
In addition to new aircraft, the company is investing HK$5.9 billion in a new cargo terminal at Hong Kong International Airport, scheduled to open in early 2013.
Photo: kingair42