Cathay Pacific has ordered 10 Boeing 747-8 freighters plus seven 777-300ERs in deal worth £2.5 billion. It is the first order for the newest 747 Freighter version by Cathay Pacific, which currently operates 19 747 family freighters.
“These orders highlight our long-term confidence in the future of both the cargo and passenger markets in Hong Kong and confirm our commitment to developing our home city as one of the world’s premier aviation hubs,” said Cathay Pacific chief executive Tony Tyler.
“We are very excited about the 747-8 freighter, which provides the highest payload of any commercial freighter. More importantly, this is a highly fuel-efficient aircraft which consumes 22 per cent less fuel per revenue payload tonne than a 747-200F and 12 per cent less than a 747-400F.”
Cathay Pacific is the sixth largest air cargo carrier in the world by revenue tonne-kilometres. It operates six 747-400 freighters, six 747-400 Boeing converted freighters and seven 747-200 freighters, with six 747-400ER freighters and two additional 747-400BCFs on order.
[asset_ref id=”77″]
The 747-8 freighter’s maximum payload is 140 tonnes giving it 16 per cent more revenue cargo volume than the 747-400F with slightly greater range – accommodating four additional main-deck pallets and three additional lower-hold pallets.
It also enables operators to choose between carrying greater payload – up to an additional 20 tonnes – or flying up to 1,400 nautical miles farther in markets where cargo density requirements are lower.