A New Era for Cathay Cargo
Toulouse, 8 December 2023 – In a significant move to augment its cargo division, Cathay Cargo, Hong Kong’s premier airline Cathay, has announced the acquisition of six state-of-the-art A350F aircraft. This strategic decision underscores the airline’s commitment to enhancing efficiency across its substantial network and marks a pivotal chapter in its future fleet development.
The Cutting-Edge A350F: A Game Changer in Air Freight
The A350F, currently in the stages of development, is poised to revolutionize the air freight industry with its capacity to transport up to 111 tonnes of payload over distances up to 4,700 nautical miles (8,700 kilometres). This remarkable efficiency, unmatched by any other freighter in the market today, positions the A350F as the ideal aircraft for servicing major cargo routes, notably the world’s busiest freight corridor between Hong Kong and Anchorage. Ronald Lam, Cathay Group’s Chief Executive Officer, expressed optimism about the fleet’s integration, highlighting the synergies with Hong Kong’s Three-Runway System and its potential to bolster the company’s sustainability initiatives.
Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of International, lauded Cathay’s forward-looking decision, emphasizing the A350F’s seamless compatibility with Cathay’s existing A350 passenger fleet. The aircraft’s advanced Rolls-Royce Trent-XWB97 engines promise a drastic reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions by up to 40%, outperforming its closest competitors and older models like the 747F. Moreover, its design incorporates the largest main deck cargo door in the industry, optimized for standard pallets and containers, making it a beacon of efficiency and sustainability.
The A350F’s compliance with ICAO’s upcoming CO₂ emissions standards further reinforces its position as the only freighter prepared to meet future environmental benchmarks. As Cathay Group continues to operate one of the largest A350 fleets globally, this addition heralds a new era of cargo operations, blending operational excellence with environmental stewardship.
