The 777X is Boeing’s new flagship aircraft, which is badly delayed. The jet was supposed to enter service in 2020, but has been delayed until at least 2026, due to certification issues. On the plus side, things are finally looking up, and it seems that timeline might be realistic, with the plane nearing certification.
The 777X plays a crucially important role in the fleet planning of several airlines. For example, with Airbus A380 production having ended, the 777X will eventually be Emirates’ new flagship aircraft. However, I’d argue there’s one airline that’s most in need of the 777X, and that’s Cathay Pacific. There’s an exciting update, as the airline has just increased its 777X order by roughly 67%!
Cathay Pacific now has 35 Boeing 777-9s on order
Cathay Pacific has just increased its Boeing 777-9 order from 21 aircraft to 35 aircraft, which is a pretty major development. The airline expects to take delivery of the first of these jets in early 2027. Cathay Pacific is now the largest 777X customer in Asia-Pacific. Here’s how Cathay Group CEO Ronald Lam describes this:
“We plan to expand and renew our fleet with the additional 777-9 aircraft, enabling us to continue our rich history of connecting the world with our Hong Kong hub. Cathay Pacific aims to further strengthen our ongoing partnership with Boeing and leverage the world-class features of the new 777-9 as we strive to become the world’s best premium airline.”
These planes are intended to be Cathay Pacific’s new flagship long haul aircraft, and replace older 777s. Cathay Pacific has otherwise modernized its long haul fleet with Airbus A350s, but they don’t feature first class.
It’s interesting to see how Cathay Pacific’s plans have evolved over time. Going into the pandemic and at the start of the pandemic, Cathay Pacific had a really rough few years. Hong Kong was already struggling before the pandemic, given the situation with China, and then Hong Kong went into full lockdown during the pandemic, bringing Cathay Pacific to a standstill.
In 2013, Cathay Pacific placed the initial order for the 777X, and in 2020, Cathay Pacific actually deferred its Boeing 777X order, which was a disappointing development. However, thanks to Boeing’s delays, that didn’t actually have any implications.
Cathay Pacific has recovered very nicely in the past couple of years, and has returned to profitability. Now the airline is severely capacity constrained, not just due to a shortage of aircraft, but also due to a shortage of pilots.
The reason I think Cathay Pacific is more in need of 777Xs than any other airline is because these are the only flagship long haul aircraft the airline has on order. Cathay Pacific shrunk considerably during the pandemic, in particular with retiring many of its 777s.
Now the carrier’s entire ability to add long haul capacity relies on the 777X. Otherwise Cathay Pacific has only Airbus A330-900neos and A321neos on order (while A330neos are capable of flying long haul, Cathay Pacific intends to use them as regional, high density planes).
Cathay Pacific’s new jets should have amazing cabins
Not only does Cathay Pacific desperately need 777Xs in terms of long haul capacity, but the plane is also really exciting from the standpoint of passenger experience. That’s because the 777X will feature Cathay Pacific’s latest cabins.
For one, Cathay Pacific will install its new Aria Suite business class on 777Xs. The initial plan was for this to debut on 777Xs, but due to the delays, the airline is now starting to roll out these seats on 777-300ERs, and several planes already have the new cabins.
While I’m excited for existing 777s to get these seats, it’ll be even nicer when factory fresh 777Xs get the cabins, since the plane should otherwise feel more modern.
What’s perhaps most exciting about the 777X is that this is where Cathay Pacific will debut its new Halo Suites first class. We don’t actually know what this product will be like yet, but rumor has it that it will be spectacular.
Cathay Pacific filed for a patent for a new first class product back in 2019, and this appears to be based on Paperclip Design’s Peacock Suites concept. The below pictures should give you a sense of just how impressive this product might be (though I’d expect Cathay Pacific to have a customized version of this, so don’t expect it to be exactly like this).
Let me emphasize that it’s entirely possible that this isn’t the product that Cathay Pacific introduces, as something could have changed. However, I think odds are decent, especially with the direction first class is headed for those airlines choosing to keep it around.
As Cathay Pacific reconfigures its existing 777s with new interiors, it’s also removing first class. So in the long run, the plan is for first class to only be available on select 777-9s. Note that the expectation is that some 777-9s will be in a four cabin layout, while some will be in a three cabin layout, so not all will get first class. I’d guess that the initial 21 frames ordered will get first class, while the additional 14 frames probably won’t.
Bottom line
Cathay Pacific has increased its Boeing 777X order from 21 aircraft to 35 aircraft, which is an exciting development. While several airlines are relying on the Boeing 777X for fleet renewal, there’s no other airline that’s solely reliant on the jet for long haul fleet renewal. Cathay Pacific should be roughly the fifth airline to start taking delivery of 777-9s, in early 2027.
The 777Xs are exciting for the oneworld carrier not just because they will finally allow the airline to add capacity, but also because they’ll feature Cathay Pacific’s newest products, including a yet to be revealed first class product that should impress.
Anyone else excited about Cathay Pacific 777-9s?
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