‍DALLAS — In a significant move towards its fleet modernization plan, Cathay Pacific (CX) has made a crucial decision. The airline, based in Hong Kong (HKG), has placed an order for 30 Airbus A330neo airframes.

This A330-900 order marks a pivotal moment in the airline's history, as it paves the way for the retirement of the most aging member of the fleet.

The brand-new planes will naturally take over the carrier's A330ceo fleet, which is already 16 years old. Despite this, neither the airline nor the manufacturer has disclosed the date of the start of deliveries, which is undoubtedly affected by the ongoing shortage of raw materials that will stifle productivity in the coming years.

In a statement, CX CEO Ronald Lam said, “The A330 is an aircraft type that has been serving Cathay Pacific well for nearly 30 years. The new aircraft will principally serve our regional destinations in Asia while providing the flexibility to serve longer-haul destinations as required.”

Taking on the Legacy of Dragonair

Of the current 43 A330-300 units flying for Cathay Pacific, the majority came from its main rival in the territory, Dragonair (KA), which merged with CX in 2006. The two carriers fought one of Asia's most remembered economic wars, especially in the distribution of airport slots in the very crowded former airport of Kai Tak.

As the saying goes, “If you can’t beat your enemy, join him.” Therefore, before the turn of the 2010s, Dragonair was acquired by Cathay Pacific and later rebranded as “Cathay Dragon.” This latest brand did not last long, as the COVID-19 pandemic ended its journey, and the remains of the struggling carrier joined its matrix.

Until today, almost all the aircraft from the CX fleet had a natural replacement: The A320ceo family fleet has already transitioned into the “neo” series, and the Boeing 777X should to arrive at the beginning of 2026. With the delivery of the A330neo, CX has finalized the first phase of its aging fleet modernization.