Boeing on Monday delivered a 747-8 Freighter to Cathay Pacific Airways, the first for the Hong Kong-based airline.
Cathay Pacific's first Boeing 747-8 Freighter takes off. (Photo by Boeing)
Cathay becomes the Asian launch operator for Boeing’s newest jumbo cargo jet and the second customer to take delivery worldwide after launch customer Cargolux took delivery of the first two 747-8 Freighters. Cathay will receive nine more copies of the jet over the next few years.
“We are pleased to take delivery of this excellent new freighter, which will be a perfect addition to the Cathay Pacific cargo fleet,” said Cathay Pacific Chief Executive Officer John Slosar, in a statement.”The B747-8F will help us further strengthen Hong Kong’s position as the world’s leading international air cargo hub. We look forward to the efficiency and environmental benefits that we expect to realise with this great new airplane.”
Cathay will use the new larger, longer-range aircraft to gradually replace their fleet of 747-400 Boeing Converted Freighters, of which the airline currently operates eight. The fleet also consists of six 747-400 Freighters and six 747-400ER Freighters.
