Cathay Pacific defers A350 and A321neo deliveries, plans to defer Boeing 777-9s
This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page.
Cathay Pacific reached a deal with Airbus on Wednesday to delay the delivery of its order of A350s and A321neos. The airline is also in talks with Boeing to defer the delivery of its 777-9 order in order to preserve cash.
Reuters reports the Airbus deferrals are for orders of a total of 65 aircraft as per an investor presentation that the airline made in November 2019. The order of 12 A350s, originally due to arrive in 2020 and 2021, are now scheduled to arrive from 2020 up to 2023. The 32 A321neos were originally scheduled to be delivered from 2020 to 2023, but this has been extended further from 2020 to 2025.
Sign up for the free daily TPG newsletter for more airline news!
A new delivery date has not yet been agreed for the 21 Boeing 777-9s, which were originally scheduled for 2024. The 777-9 is the larger of the two “777X” variants Boeing has planned as part of its update to the widebody workhorse. The first of those variants, the 777-9, flew for the first time in Washington state in January.
As for Cathay Pacific, its order shake-up comes as the airline industry is suffering through the most significant downturn in demand since 9/11. As such, airlines around the world, especially weaker airlines or those that were already struggling before the pandemic hit, are having to make aircraft, route and staff cuts to save money and stay afloat.
In-depth: The Boeing 777 turns 25: All about the new Boeing 777X
“This deferral of deliveries is expected to produce cash savings to the Cathay Pacific Group in the short to medium term,” the airline said in a prospectus with the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
In April, the airline announced that it would reduce some fuel charges, which was ultimately good news for Cathay Pacific enthusiasts who book award tickets through American Airlines, Asia Miles and/or British Airways Executive Club.
Related: Stellar Service: Cathay Pacific (777-300ER) in Economy from Los Angeles to Hong Kong
Featured image by Riik@mctr/Flickr
Sign-up Successful!
Welcome to The Points Guy!
Earn 50,000 bonus miles and 5,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new card in your first three months of card membership. Plus, earn up to $100 back in statement credits for eligible purchases at U.S. restaurants with your card within the first 3 months of membership.
With Status Boost™, earn 10,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, up to two times per year getting you closer to Medallion Status. Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels, 2X Miles at restaurants and at U.S. supermarkets and earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases. Terms Apply.
- Earn 50,000 bonus miles and 5,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months.
- Plus, earn up to $100 back in statement credits for eligible purchases at US restaurants with your card within the first 3 months of membership.
- Accelerate your path to Medallion Status, with Status Boost®. Plus, in 2021 you can earn even more bonus Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) to help you reach Medallion Status.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
- Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery and at U.S. supermarkets.
- Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your Card. *Payment of the government imposed taxes and fees of no more than $75 for roundtrip domestic flights (for itineraries with up to four flight segments) is required. Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
- Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights.
- Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA Pre✓®.
- Enjoy an exclusive rate of $39 per person per visit to enter the Delta Sky Club® for you and up to two guests when traveling on a Delta flight.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- $250 Annual Fee.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
Disclaimer: The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.