Cathay places first order for Boeing 777-X
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Cathay Pacific has placed its first order for the new fuel-efficient version of the Boeing 777.
The Hong Kong-based carrier has confirmed a deal to buy 21 Boeing 777-9X aircraft, worth U$7.9 billion at current list prices.
“The 777-9X promises us improved payload range capability and reduced operating costs, in addition to a significant reduction in environmental emissions,” explained John Slosar, chief executive of Cathay Pacific.
“We think it will be an ideal fit for long-haul destinations in North America and Europe, in particular those routes where we carry high volumes of passengers and cargo each day. Cathay Pacific is committed to modernising its fleet to provide a superior experience to passengers.”
The B777X programme was launched at the Dubai Airshow last month, where Boeing took 259 orders and commitments for the aircraft, worth US$95bn. This made it the best-selling product launch in commercial aviation history.
The new aircraft will replace the popular B777 wide-body aircraft series, which has sold more than 1,500 units since production started in 1995. Cathay currently operates 55 of these, including 38 B777-300ERs, 12 B777-300s and five B777-200s.
“The 777-300ER has done a superb job for us and Cathay Pacific is now the second largest operator of this type. We are now delighted to be an early customer for this next generation of the 777 aircraft,” Slosar added.
With capacity for approximately 400 passengers, the B777-9X will be the larger of the two B777-X series aircraft, with the B777-8X designed to hold around 350. Production of the first B777-X is scheduled to begin in 2017, and the first delivery targeted for 2020.
As well as the new B777-Xs, Cathay has outstanding orders for 48 Airbus A350s.
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