Cathay Pacific Airways is to re-embark on a major new re-equipment programme with the release of a request for proposals (RFP) for up to 35 Airbus Industrie A3XXs, A340-600s or A330s, Boeing 747Xs or 777-300ER aircraft. Meanwhile, as an interim measure to bolster capacity, the Hong Kong carrier will lease three A340-600s from International Lease Finance (ILFC).
Three years after Cathay shelved its last major fleet modernisation programme due to Asia's economic difficulties, it is once again seeking prices from Boeing and Airbus for ultra long-range and large- capacity types, along with additional medium-haul aircraft. Bids are due in by December, and the final decision in February 2001.
Cathay had intended to choose either the 777-300ER or A340-600 as a first step. But it now plans to make a combined selection along with the 747X and A3XX, after regional rival Singapore Airlines' recent launch order for 10 A3XXs plus 15 options, and a pending decision by Qantas Airways.
The RFP is understood to include up to 11 A340-600s or a similar number of 777-300ERs and six to eight 747X or A3XXs. It is also seeking pricing on 10 more A330s and another six 747-400Fs, possibly upgraded to a freighter version of the 747X Stretch.
Cathay in the meantime has struck a deal with ILFC to lease three of its five A340-600s, scheduled for delivery in September and October 2002 and early 2003. In another move to bolster its near term capacity Cathay is planning to lease two undelivered Singapore Airlines A340-300s following that airline's decision to phase this aircraft out in favour of 777s.
The airline has been incrementally ordering additional aircraft over the last 12 months, including four Rolls-Royce Trent 700 powered A330s in May. Its A330-300 and A340-300 fleets now total 19 and 14 aircraft respectively, either in service or on order.
Cathay recently ordered an extra 747-400F, and in December will take delivery of a fifth 777-200, refurbished and re-engined. It also operates seven Trent 800-powered stretch 777-300s.
Source: Flight International
