Cathay Pacific has placed an order for 21 Boeing 777-9X aircraft, with deliveries to take place between 2021 and 2024.

The aircraft are worth HK$58 billion ($7.5 billion) at list prices, says the Oneworld carrier in a statement.

“Cathay Pacific is committed to modernising its fleet to provide a superior experience to passengers while at the same time delivering cost benefits to the airline and reducing our impact on the environment,” says Cathay chief executive John Slosar.

“The 777-300ER has done a super job for us – indeed, Cathay Pacific is now the second largest operator of this type – and we are delighted to be an early customer for this next generation of the aircraft.”

Cathay 777-9X body

Cathay Pacific

He says the aircraft will be used mainly on routes to North America and Europe, particularly routes with high volumes of both passengers and cargo.

Flightglobal’s Ascend Online Fleets database shows that Cathay Pacific operates 38 Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, and has another 12 on order. The carrier also has orders for 26 Airbus A350-1000s, and 22 A350-900s.

Cathay adds that the 777-9X order brings its total order book to 89 aircraft with a list price of HK$215 billion.

Source: Cirium Dashboard