Cathay Cargo is the latest amongst major airlines to select the Airbus A350 freighter to meet its future fleet requirements, with an order for six aircraft.

The Hong Kong-based carrier, which has six older B747-400ERFs due for replacement and 14 B747-8Fs, expects the widebody freighters to be delivered between 2027 and 2029.

Cathay Group chief, Ronald Lam, said “these highly fuel-efficient, next-generation freighters will provide important additional cargo capacity, expand our global network and contribute to our sustainability leadership goals.”

The airline said the freighters will link Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland with long-haul destinations in North and South America as well as Europe.

The purchase agreement is valued at a list price of $2.71 billion and brings the Cathay Group’s new aircraft deliveries to 77, including 21 Boeing 777-9s and 49 Airbus A320neo and A321neo aircraft.

The airline has also secured the right to purchase 20 more A350Fs.