Cathay just loves those wide bodies
Cathay Pacific Airways will boost operations in Asia with the “intelligent misuse†of long-haul aircraft rather than building up a fleet of single-aisle planes.
The carrier will continue flying wide-body planes on Asian routes as these aircraft would otherwise be idle during the day after making overnight intercontinental trips, outgoing CEO Tony Tyler said in an interview with Bloomberg in Hong Kong.
The airline last year ordered 36 aircraft – Airbus A350s and Boeing 777-300ERs – to expand its fleet.
“A lot of the capacity for these long-haul aircraft will be used in the region,†said Tyler, who will leave Cathay on March 31 to become head of the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
“What we’ve done over the years, quite successfully, is what we called the intelligent misuse of aircraft.â€
The carrier will transfer some wide-body A330s from its mainline fleet to regional unit Hong Kong Dragon Air as it boosts China services, Tyler said.
The airline may eventually look at adding double-decker A380s, especially if Airbus can make the plane more efficient through the addition of new engines or the introduction of a stretched version, Tyler added.
Ian Jarrett
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Cyclone in Sri Lanka had limited effect on tourism in contrary to media reports
Skyscanner reveals major travel trends 2026 at ITB Asia