Cathay Pacific Airways orders 15 more A330s

World’s most popular mid-size widebody stays high in demand

Cathay Pacific Airways has placed a firm order with Airbus for 15 more A330-300s. Scheduled for delivery from 2013, the aircraft will join the airline’s existing A330 fleet flying on services across the Asia-Pacific region. As with the airline’s existing A330 fleet, the newly ordered aircraft will be powered by Trent 700 engines from Rolls-Royce.

“The A330 has proved itself to be an extremely efficient and versatile aircraft for Cathay Pacific, flying on Asian regional services and longer operations to the Middle East and Australia,” said Tony Tyler, Chief Executive, Cathay Pacific Airways. “Our latest order reflects our confidence that the A330 will continue to meet our needs well into the future, both economically and operationally, as a key part of our fleet.”

“The latest order from Cathay Pacific underscores the position of the A330 as the most popular mid-size widebody flying today,” said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer - Customers, Airbus. “The proven reliability, low operating costs and strong passenger appeal offered by the A330 will ensure that it remains the most efficient aircraft in its class for many years to come.”

The twin engine A330 is one of the most widely used widebody aircraft in service today. To date, Airbus has won more than 1,100 orders for the various versions of the aircraft. Some 750 A330s have already been delivered and the aircraft is currently flying with 90 operators worldwide in 50 countries.