Cathay Pacific delays Boeing 777-9 delivery to 2027

Cathay Pacific, the Hong Kong airline, has announced a delay in the delivery of Boeing 777X aircraft to 2027 or later. This change will also postpone the airline's new first class suites, according to its financial report for 2024. The news was first reported by Executive Traveller. The delay is part of broader issues Boeing is facing with the 777X program. Cathay Pacific was supposed to receive 21 Boeing 777-9 planes, which were originally scheduled for delivery in 2021. However, complications in the certification process and production delays have pushed back the timeline. Other airlines, like Emirates, are also adjusting their expectations, with deliveries now possibly slipping into 2028. Due to these delays, Cathay Pacific will have to wait to launch its new first class cabin, called the "Halo Cabin." This new first class suite is meant to replace the older model on the current fleet of Boeing 777-300ERs. The airline plans to eventually remove first class from these aircraft, focusing solely on the upcoming 777X for its premium offerings. In 2024, Cathay Pacific operated 180 aircraft, with no new deliveries expected in 2025 apart from four Airbus A321neo planes for its subsidiary, HK Express. Three leases for aircraft will expire in 2025, including two Airbus A330-300s and one Boeing 777-300ER. In 2026, Cathay Pacific anticipates receiving three new Airbus A320neo aircraft. The year 2027 looks to be the busiest for deliveries, with plans to welcome 21 Boeing 777Xs, 30 Airbus A330neos, and additional Airbus A320neo and A350 freighters. HK Express is also scheduled to receive several new Airbus planes during that time.