Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd. will seek to order up to 50 more widebody aircraft to complete the build-out of its long-term growth plans, according to people familiar with the matter.
The Hong Kong carrier plans to engage in talks with Airbus SE and Boeing Co. next year, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the information is private.
Cathay is also nearing decisions, which could come as soon as November, on whether to acquire more single-aisle and widebody aircraft through existing options and purchase rights, they said.
The airline said in a statement that it reviews its fleet requirement on an ongoing basis and doesn’t comment on market rumors.
Cathay has ambitious growth plans for this decade, including expanding its fleet and overhauling its premium offerings. The airline is weathering the uncertainties shaking the broader aviation industry, and is carrying record numbers of passengers, including those opting not to transit via the Middle East. Strong demand for AI equipment is also driving cargo growth and boosting earnings.
Still, the long-term agreement for jets from Cathay coincides with supply chain crunches that have left the industry grappling with delivery delays.
Cathay has a backlog of just over 100 aircraft on order worth HK$150 billion ($19 billion), before standard industry discounts are applied. That includes 35 Boeing 777-9s and 30 A330neos to be delivered by 2027 and 2034.
The group, which includes Cathay Pacific and HK Express, has a fleet of 235 Airbus and Boeing aircraft.
