Cathay Pacific’s CEO Forecasts Major Aircraft Purchases: Bloomberg Insights
The CEO of Cathay Pacific, Ronald Lam, has revealed that discussions are ongoing regarding a major aircraft order aimed at enhancing the airline’s fleet beyond 2030.
At the Routes World 2025 conference in Hong Kong on September 25, 2025, Lam mentioned he is in talks with shareholders about a “substantial” acquisition, as reported by industry sources.
Lam emphasized the importance of this decision, stating, “We are working with our shareholders to make some decisions in the coming years. The order size I believe will be substantial because we are really committed to the development of Hong Kong and Hong Kong International Airport.”
The airline anticipates a growing need for various types of aircraft, including widebody and narrowbody planes as well as freighters, within the next decade.
Cathay has already committed over HK$100 billion (approximately $12.7 billion) as part of a fleet expansion program set to last until 2035. This significant investment encompasses not just new aircraft, but also advancements in cabin products, lounges, and digital technology.
While the first half of the 10-year plan is set, Lam noted that decisions are still pending for the latter part of the timeline.
In August 2024, Cathay took an proactive step by ordering 30 Airbus A330neos, and in September 2023, it also secured an additional 32 aircraft from the Airbus A320neo family, following a prior order of the same model.
While the airline has yet to take delivery of its initial A330neo, it has begun incorporating A320neo family aircraft into its fleet.
Additionally, in August 2025, Cathay expanded its original 2013 order for 21 Boeing 777-9 jets by exercising an option for 14 more of these yet-to-be-certified aircraft, with the first expected to be delivered in 2027.
As per reports from ch-aviation, Cathay Pacific and its subsidiary HK Express are currently awaiting the arrival of 107 new planes.
“We have committed to well over HK$100 billion dollars and we won’t stop there,” Lam added, highlighting the airline’s ambitious growth strategy.
Are you excited to see what new developments lie ahead for Cathay Pacific?
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