Boeing and Cathay Pacific Airways celebrated the delivery of the airline’s 70th 777 aircraft – also the last and 53rd 777-300ER of its confirmed orders – that has made Cathay Asia’s largest operator of the B777 fleet. With today’s delivery, Cathay Pacific’s B777 aircraft fleet comprises of 53 B777-300ERs, 12 B777-300s and five B777-200s.

The airline is one of the launch customers for the B777X with 21 B777-9 airplanes on order. Cathay Pacific took delivery of its first B777-300ER in September 2007. This efficient aircraft allows the airline to modernise its long-haul fleet with enhanced operational efficiency and extended range with more environmentally friendly features. “The B777s have played an important role in Cathay Pacific’s fleet modernisation and network expansion strategy,” said Ivan Chu, chief executive, Cathay Pacific Airways.

“We operate the largest B777 fleet in Asia and these aircraft offer the range, reliability and flexibility to build multiple daily frequencies on trunk routes, both within the Asia-Pacific region and with the B777-300ERs, on long-haul and ultra-long-haul routes. Our B777 fleet has helped in our efforts to reinforce Hong Kong’s position as one of the world’s most important international aviation hubs,” Chu added.

The 777-300ER, which makes up the largest part of the Cathay Pacific fleet, is one of the most fuel and cost-efficient airplanes in its class, as well as the most reliable twin-aisle aircraft in the world, according to Boeing. It also has the highest cargo capability of any passenger aircraft in service. The 777-300ER will receive further improvements in 2016 designed to reduce fuel use by two per cent.