(Xinhua)
Updated: 2007-11-09 09:44

HONG KONG - Cathay Pacific Airways announced Thursday its biggest-ever direct-purchase commitment for new aircraft, placing firm orders for 10 Boeing 747-8 Freighters and a further seven Boeing 777-300ER passenger aircraft directly from the Boeing Company.

Boeing 747-8 Freighters [File photo]

The new aircraft order is valued at approximately US$5.2 billion at list prices, said Cathay Pacific in a statement, adding that the airline has also taken up purchase rights for another 14 of the new freighter type.

The passenger aircraft and freighter purchases announced Thursday are scheduled for delivery from 2009 to 2012.

The airline currently operates 19 freighters and before Thursday's announcement already had commitments for eight more - six Boeing 747-400ERF Extended Range Freighters and two 747-400BCF Boeing Converted Freighters - for delivery by 2009.

The addition of the ten new Boeing 747-8F new-generation freighters will enhance the airline's cargo capacity and at the same time allow it to begin a phased withdrawal of its fleet of seven older, less fuel-efficient Boeing 747-200F "Classic" freighters by 2012.

The order for additional Boeing 777-300ER passenger aircraft means Cathay Pacific now has a firm commitment for 30 of the aircraft type for delivery by 2012, making it the largest such commitment of any airline in Asia for the 777-300ER.

Cathay Pacific now operates a fleet of 110 aircraft and has 48 aircraft in its order book, including 30 passenger aircraft and 18 freighters.

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