^{Source: South China Morning Post}

Cathay Pacific has placed an order for 100 new generation aircraft as part of its bold HKD 100 billion (approximately USD 12.86 billion) investment plan for the next five years. This ambitious move aims to significantly expand the airline’s fleet and enhance its global services, with deliveries set to begin this year.

Strategic Investment to Modernize Fleet

Cathay Pacific's Regional General Manager for South Asia, Middle East, and Africa, Rakesh Raicar, shared exciting developments at a press conference this Thursday. The airline is gearing up for a 25% growth in cargo traffic this year, with particular attention on South India, where exports of high-demand products such as Apple devices and pharmaceuticals are expected to drive this surge. Raicar emphasized that cities like Chennai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad accounted for a substantial 43% of the over 130,000 tonnes of cargo handled by Cathay Pacific last year.

"By June 2024, our total fleet will include 178 aircraft, both passenger and cargo. Of these, 73 new passenger aircraft are scheduled to join by June 30, 2024, as part of our broader investment initiative," Raicar explained. "The major portion of this HKD 100 billion will be directed towards fleet expansion, with our order for 100 new aircraft spread over five years."

This fleet expansion includes both narrow and wide-body aircraft, which will begin arriving in 2025, further solidifying Cathay’s capacity to meet growing demand.

Expansion in Indian Market

India has long been a crucial market for Cathay Pacific, and the airline is reinforcing its presence in the region with plans to increase its weekly flights. Currently, Cathay operates 39 return passenger flights per week from five destinations in India, but by September 1, 2025, this will increase to 43 return flights weekly. This will include additional services from Hyderabad (5 flights per week), double-daily flights from Delhi, 10 flights per week from Mumbai, and daily flights from Bengaluru and Chennai.

Cathay Pacific resumed its non-stop service between Hyderabad and Hong Kong on March 31, 2025, with flights now operating three times a week. Raicar highlighted that the airline’s ability to efficiently connect major Indian cities to Hong Kong and the rest of the world, including North America, plays a significant role in accommodating the increasing demand for air travel and cargo movement.

Cargo Growth and New Opportunities

Cathay Pacific's cargo division is poised for substantial growth, with strong expectations for increased demand driven by new industrial developments in India. Rajesh Menon, the Regional Head of Cargo, mentioned that Cathay Pacific currently operates between 13 and 14 freighter flights weekly, with five of these departing from Chennai and Delhi, and the remainder from Mumbai. Menon also forecasted greater cargo volumes from Hyderabad, particularly with the new Foxconn facility set to boost shipments.

In terms of cargo types, Cathay Pacific has made significant strides in offering specialized services. From India, the airline currently carries 52% of general cargo and 48% of specialized goods, such as automobiles, engines, pharmaceuticals, valuable items, perishables, and couriers.

The Future of Cathay Pacific's Growth

The investment in 100 new aircraft is part of Cathay Pacific's long-term strategy to expand its capacity and remain competitive on the global stage. The airline’s focus on increasing its fleet, expanding its cargo services, and enhancing its connectivity between key regions positions it well for future growth.

The next five years are expected to bring significant transformations for Cathay Pacific, with improvements across its passenger and cargo sectors. As the airline continues to develop new routes, bolster its fleet, and cater to rising demand in markets like India, the company is poised to strengthen its position as a leading global carrier.

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