Boeing and Cathay Pacific announced the Hong Kong-based carrier is ordering 14 more 777-9 passenger jets, bringing its order book to 35 of the world’s largest twin-engine airplane. The deal is reported to be worth about US$8 billion. Designed to reduce fuel use and emissions on average by 20% and noise by 40% compared to the airplanes it replaces, the 777-9 will enable Cathay Pacific to efficiently meet growing air travel demand across key global markets.
“We plan to expand and renew our fleet with the additional 777-9 aircraft, enabling us to continue our rich history of connecting the world with our Hong Kong hub,” said Ronald Lam, Cathay Group Chief Executive Officer. “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.”
Cathay Pacific has grown its global network with the Boeing 777 family over the past 30 years. The addition of the latest model, the 777-9, will further reduce the airline’s operating costs as it modernises its fleet and expands passenger and cargo operations on long- and ultra long-haul routes.
“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,” said Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing. “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.”
Cathay Group Chair Patrick Healy said: “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. This new order brings our total investment to well over HK$100 billion, which also includes new cabin products, lounges and digital innovation, further strengthening the Hong Kong international aviation hub and elevating the customer experience to new heights. As a Group, our passenger airlines, Cathay Pacific and HK Express, have launched or announced 19 new destinations so far in 2025, with more still to come. We now fly to more than 100 passenger destinations globally, as we continue to enhance Hong Kong’s connectivity with the world.”
With a range of 7,295 nautical miles (13,510 km), the 777-9 will allow Cathay Pacific to connect passengers directly between Hong Kong and its global long-haul destinations. Customers around the world have ordered more than 550 777X airplanes, sustaining thousands of jobs at Boeing’s Everett, Wash., site and across the supply chain.
Earnings report
Cathy Pacific also announced its latest earnings reporting an attributable profit of HK$3.7 billion in the first half of 2025, a similar level to the first half of 2024. The group’s first-half result was attributable to increased passenger capacity and volumes albeit at lower yields, a resilient cargo business and lower fuel costs.
Download the earnings report here.
Meanwhile, the results from associates, the majority of which are recognised three months in arrears, reflected an attributable loss of HK$181 million, compared with a loss of HK$342 million in the first half of 2024. The group’s first-half result has allowed it to announce a first interim dividend payment to ordinary shareholders of HK20 cents per ordinary share, totalling HK$1.3 billion. This is the same amount per ordinary share as the first interim dividend paid in 2024.
Cathay Pacific’s new Aria Suite Business class cabins and inflight entertainment system have received various recognitions in prestigious design industry awards. Building on these achievements, the airline will be introducing brand new cabins and a flat-bed Business class product on its existing Airbus A330s in 2026, followed by a world-leading First class experience onboard its Boeing 777-9s when the first aircraft is expected to arrive in 2027.
Additionally, Cathay Pacific has been rolling out refinements to the design of its current regional Business class on selected A330-300 and 777-300 aircraft with an updated look and features, which are expected to be completed this year. Furthermore, starting this month Cathay Pacific is one of the very few airlines in the world to offer both 100% seat-back inflight entertainment and 100% inflight connectivity across its entire fleet.
On the ground, Cathay Pacific has commenced an extensive redevelopment plan for its lounges. Earlier this year, The Bridge was opened at Hong Kong International Airport following a full redesign. The redesigned Beijing flagship lounge is scheduled to open this month, while a brand-new flagship lounge will be launched in New York next year.
Meanwhile, Cathay Cargo is continuing to strengthen its special solutions, digital capabilities and sustainability leadership to position itself for future growth.
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