Cathay Pacific Airways (0293.HK) confirmed an order to buy 30 Airbus 350-900s at an estimated price of US$7.82 billion, finalizing its single largest aircraft acquisition on Thursday, the South China Morning Post reported. The new aircraft will mainly be used to replace the airline’s existing fleet of Boeing (BA.NYSE) 747-400s. In addition to the firm order for the 30 aircraft, Cathay has the option to purchase 30 more. The new aircraft, which can carry up to 314 passengers, will be delivered to Cathay between 2016 and 2019 and will be used for routes to North America and Europe. Airbus has received more than 538 firm orders for the A350-900 from 34 customers. Airbus said the aircraft’s operating costs are 25% lower than those of the Boeing 777, which has the same number of seats and similar range.
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