December 8, 2023News

Cathay Cargo To Buy Up To 26 Airbus A350F Freighters

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.

Rachit Shad Trehan

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September 17, 2024

Air India Begins Refitting Planes With New Interiors And Livery

A massive part of Air India’s transformation phase under the new ownership is retrofitting in-service aircraft with brand-new interiors, modern-day technology and the latest livery. That refurbishment activity is officially underway, with the first of the 67 jets lined up for a thorough overhaul entering the allotted hangar yesterday.

The aircraft, an Airbus A320neo bearing registration number VT-EXN, will receive new upholstery, carpets, curtains, and seats in a three-class configuration—8 seats in Business Class, 24 in Premium Economy, and 132 in Economy. Once the single-aisle jet is back in service, likely in December 2024, travellers will get various creature comforts. In addition to USB Type A and Type C charging ports and personal electronic device (PED) holders, travellers in Business Class will have 40-inch seats with a 7-inch recline, adjustable armrest, footrest and backrest and a push-button deployable tray table.

Also Read: Air India Is Now Flying To Kuala Lumpur From Delhi

Those travelling in Premium Economy will get 32-inch seats with a 4-inch recline, PED holders and USB charging ports. Similarly, the Economy section will have 28-29-inch seats with a 4-inch recline, PED holders and charging ports.

The 67 jets that will receive the upgrade include 27 narrowbody and 40 widebody. The airline expects to overhaul 3 to 4 aircraft per month. That means the overhauling activity for the narrowbody jets will be finished by mid-2025. Air India says the first widebody jet should enter the hangar for the planned upgrade early next year. All in all, this will cost upwards of USD 400 million.

September 16, 2024

Air India Is Now Flying To Kuala Lumpur From Delhi

Further strengthening its network in Southeast Asia, Air India has begun direct services to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from Delhi. The first outbound flight took off from the Indira Gandhi International Airport on September 15, 2024, and the return leg completed its journey earlier today.

Air India’s service between Delhi and Kuala Lumpur is a daily affair. Flight AI384 will depart from Delhi and arrive in Malaysia’s capital at 13:00 and 21:00, respectively. Those travelling the other way will board flight AI385, which will take off from Kuala Lumpur at 08:30 and land in Delhi at 11:25. An Airbus A320neo will ferry passengers on both sectors.

Kuala Lumpur is Air India’s sixth destination in Southeast Asia. The airline already has active services from India to Singapore, Bangkok, Phuket, Ho Chi Minh City and Yangon.

Also Read: Air India Confirms More Flights To Kolkata From Four Cities