The CEO of Cathay Pacific Ronald Lam has indicated that a significant aircraft order designed to expand the airline’s fleet further from 2030 is under discussion.
Speaking at the Routes World 2025 conference on September 25, 2025, in Hong Kong, Lam said he was in talks with shareholders about a “substantial” Cathay Pacific order, according to Bloomberg.
“We are working with our shareholders to make some decisions in the coming years. The order size I believe will be substantial because we are really committed to the development of Hong Kong and Hong Kong International Airport,” explained Lam.
Lam said that the airline group would need more widebodies, narrowbodies and freighter aircraft delivered in the next decade.
As part of a 10-year fleet expansion program up until 2035 Cathay has already invested HK$100 billion ($12.7 billion). The investment has also included new cabin products, lounges and digital innovation.
According to Bloomberg, Lam said that while the first five years of the 10-year plan have been finalized, there are decisions still to be made on the latter five.
In August 2024, Cathay ordered 30 Airbus A330neos and in September 2023 the carrier ordered an additional 32 Airbus A320neo family aircraft to add to the 32 previously purchased.
While the airline is yet to receive its first A330neo, the A320neo family aircraft have already begun joining the company’s fleet.
In August 2025, Cathay also increased its 2013 order for 21 Boeing 777-9 jets by exercising its option for 14 more of the as-yet-uncertified aircraft. The first 777-9 is expected to arrive in 2027.
According to ch-aviation, Cathay and its subsidiary HK Express are currently awaiting delivery of 107 new aircraft.
“We have committed to well over HK$100 billion dollars and we won’t stop there,” added Lam.
