Cathay Pacific Places Orders for Two Additional 777-300ER Aircraft

Cathay Pacific Airways today placed orders for two additional advanced wide-body Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, increasing its commitment to a total of 18 since the airline announced its biggest ever order for new aircraft in December last year.

Previously, the airline made commitments for 16 Boeing 777-300ER aircraft with purchase rights for 20 more. Two of these purchase rights have now been exercised. The additional two Boeing 777-300ER aircraft will be acquired through direct purchases from The Boeing Company.

All the Boeing 777-300ER aircraft will be powered by General Electric GE90-115B engines. The additional two Boeing 777-300ER aircraft will be delivered in January and September 2008, while the first Boeing 777-300ER aircraft is scheduled to enter service in September 2007.

Cathay Pacific Chief Executive Philip Chen said: "These additional aircraft orders reflect our determination to expand and grow. More aircraft will allow us to widen our services network and connectivity, further strengthen Cathay Pacific as a home carrier and Hong Kong's position as a global hub and gateway to the Chinese Mainland. We are wholly confident in the long-term future of the airline and Hong Kong, and committed to the continued profitable growth of Cathay Pacific."

Cathay Pacific's fleet currently totals 97 aircraft. Its long-haul fleet comprises 23 Boeing 747-400, 15 Airbus A340-300 and 3 Airbus A340-600 aircraft. The regional fleet comprises 16 Boeing 777-200/300 and 26 Airbus A330-300 aircraft. The airline also operates 14 Boeing 747 freighters.

In addition to the 18 Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, the airline also has outstanding orders for two Boeing 747-400 aircraft, one Boeing 777-300 aircraft, six Airbus A330-300 aircraft and five 747-400 Boeing Converted Freighters. Cathay Pacific's fleet will take delivery of its 100th aircraft this summer in the year of its 60th Anniversary.

The airline has placed orders for two additional Boeing 777-300ER aircraft,
taking the total commitment to 18.

Cathay Pacific Airways
Corporate Communication Department