To make Hong Kong the world’s top air cargo hub, Cathay Group has placed a firm order for Airbus A350F Freighters. The agreement also gives the option for the Hong Kong-based airline to purchase a further 20 such aircraft. Cathay confirms that the first units from this order will start arriving in 2027. These freighter aircraft will help the carrier link its hub and China Mainland with long-haul destinations across North America, South America and Europe.

Presently, Cathay Group’s Cargo services are handled by 20 Boeing 747 freighters, including 14 B747-8Fs and 6 B747-400ERFs. In addition to those purpose-built aircraft, the airline serves cargo needs with belly capacity on its fleet of passenger aeroplanes.

The order book for Cathay Group currently includes 21 Boeing 777-9s, with deliveries expected to start in 2025, and 49 Airbus A320neo and A321neo aircraft, all expected to join the fleet by 2029.

RTX’s Pratt & Whitney Canada joins Dassault Aviation in celebrating the latter’s Falcon 6X’s entry into service. The business jet, which had bagged its type certifications from EASA and FAA earlier this year, is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada’s PW812D turbofan engines. The Falcon 6X entered service on November 30, 2023.

In the testing phase, the engines proved so fuel-efficient that they could fly the largest Falcon jet for up to 5,500 nautical miles (10,200km). Plus, compared to direct competition, the PW812D also offers improvements over noise and emissions. Pratt & Whitney Canada claims that the PW800 series engines require 40 per cent less scheduled maintenance and 20 per cent fewer inspections when compared to rivals in the same class.

The engines in question are already compatible with a 50 per cent blend of kerosene-based jet fuel and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Further tests are being conducted for up to 100 per cent use of SAF.

At the 30th edition of the World Travel Awards, Star Alliance was recognised as the World’s Leading Airline Alliance for the fourth consecutive year. Apart from that, Star Alliance members bagged various individual awards at the event.

Earlier this year, the Star Alliance Los Angeles Airport lounge was awarded the title of North America’s Leading Airport lounge for the fourth year in a row. All in all, the alliance has had quite a 2023. And all its 25+ members, including Air Canada, Air India, SAS, Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa, played a critical role in gaining all recognition.

Also Read: Emirates Puts On A Show At 2023 World Travel Awards

Dubai-based carrier Emirates, widely regarded among the best in the world at what it does, put up a show at the 2023 World Travel Awards (WTA) Grand Final. The airline was named the World’s Leading Airline for the Middle East for the third year in a row. Next, it bagged the top honours for Leading Airline Inflight Entertainment, Leading First Class and Leading Airline Brand. The Emirates Skywards was also recognised as the World’s Leading Rewards Programme. Emirates has won that particular award for the last 11 out of 12 WTA events. For the record, the 2023 edition of the WTA marked the 30th anniversary of this honours programme.

Earlier this year, Emirates received accolades for the Best Airline in the World and Best Airline in the Middle East at the 2023 ULTRAs. Also, it was recognised as the 2024 APEX World Class Airline and bagged the 2024 IFSA award for Best Onboard Amenity. Emirates was also honoured at the Gulf Business Awards 2023, where it won the Transport & Logistics Company of the Year award.

Also Read: Dubai Airshow 2023: Emirates Orders 15 A350s