Cathay Cargo expands capacity with Air Hong Kong A330 freighter
The leased aircraft will enter service in Q4 2026, operating routes across the Chinese Mainland and the region to support network growth.
Cathay Cargo will add an Airbus A330P2F converted freighter to its network after Air Hong Kong signed a lease agreement for the aircraft, providing additional cargo capacity and supporting the growth of Cathay Cargo's operations.
The aircraft will join Air Hong Kong's fleet in the fourth quarter of 2026 under a long-term lease agreement with Air Transport Services Group (ATSG) for an aircraft owned by its leasing subsidiary, Cargo Aircraft Management (CAM).
The latest announcement follows Cathay Cargo's recent order for two additional Airbus A350F freighters. The Cathay Group said the additional freighter capacity will support future growth plans and reinforce Hong Kong's position as a major global air cargo hub.
The Airbus A330 freighter will be used primarily by Air Hong Kong to operate cargo services to destinations in the Chinese Mainland and other regional markets on behalf of Cathay Cargo. Air Hong Kong is the first all-cargo freighter airline based in Hong Kong and is part of the Cathay Group.
"The Cathay Group is strengthening our freighter fleet to support Cathay Cargo's capacity growth plans, strengthen our network, and reinforce Hong Kong's status as the world's leading air cargo hub," said Dominic Perret, Director Cargo at Cathay.
Perret said the additional capacity from the new A330 freighter would complement Cathay Cargo's future A350F fleet, providing greater flexibility to expand its regional cargo network and offer more options to freight forwarder partners.
Agatha Lee, Chief Operating Officer of Air Hong Kong, said the aircraft would help the airline take advantage of opportunities created by the Three-Runway System at Hong Kong International Airport and expand its regional presence.
"This marks an exciting chapter for Air Hong Kong as we expand our business to support the ongoing development of the Hong Kong international aviation hub," Lee said.
Air Hong Kong currently operates a fleet of 14 Airbus A330 freighters providing express cargo services for DHL Express.
Cathay Cargo operates 20 Boeing 747 freighters and also uses belly cargo capacity across the Cathay Group's passenger network, which serves more than 100 destinations worldwide.
The Cathay Group has committed more than HK$100 billion towards fleet expansion, cabin and lounge upgrades, and digital innovation. The investment programme includes orders for more than 100 new aircraft, including narrowbody, regional widebody, long-haul widebody and freighter aircraft as part of its fleet renewal and expansion strategy.
