AHK Air Hong Kong Ltd. today announced its intention to purchase six new Airbus A300-600F "General Freighter" aircraft in order to implement its previously announced plan to expand operations within the Asian region.

The six wide-body aircraft are scheduled for delivery between the second half of 2004 and first quarter of 2005. AHK, the Hong Kong-based all-cargo carrier, also has options on four more of the same aircraft type for possible delivery at a later date.

AHK will be the launch customer for the A300-600F "General Freighter", which differs from A300-600F aircraft currently being built for other carriers in that it has a loading system and side door capable of handling large items of general freight in addition to small packages.

A final decision has yet to be made on which engine will power the aircraft. Two power plants are available for this aircraft type - one produced by General Electric and the other by Pratt & Whitney.

AHK's order is in furtherance of its cooperative venture with DHL Worldwide Express, signed in October 2002, to support DHL's services to major cities in the Asia Pacific region from AHK's base at Hong Kong International Airport. Cathay Pacific Airways owns 70 percent of AHK and DHL holds a 30 percent stake.

AHK Air Hong Kong Chairman Tony Tyler said: "This is a great step forward in Air Hong Kong's development and its partnership with DHL. This very significant fleet expansion demonstrates Air Hong Kong's commitment to enhancing Hong Kong's position as Asia's leading air cargo hub, and to strengthening the scope and quality of service that we already provide DHL."