Hong Kong’s Cathay posts 1.1% rise in first-half net profit, orders new planes

Hong Kong flag carrier Cathay Pacific Airways has reported a 1.1 per cent year-on-year increase in its net profit for the first six months of 2025 to HK$3.65 billion (US$465 million), thanks to a resilient cargo business amid the US-China trade war, as it places a new plane order.

The group announced on Wednesday that it would purchase 14 Boeing 777-9 aircraft as part of its 2013 agreement with the US-based manufacturer, under which it previously ordered 21 planes of the same model scheduled for delivery in 2027 or later.

The company also secured the rights to acquire up to seven additional Boeing 777-9 aircraft.

The 14-strong fleet costs at least HK$63.2 billion before concessions and is expected to be delivered by 2034, with the carrier intending to finance the purchase through commercial bank loans, the company’s cash and others.

Cathay said it received a concession from the manufacturer and the bill would be lower than such a price.

It also said that the new fuel-friendly fleet would replace part of its existing long-haul widebody aircraft, and serve long-haul and selected regional destinations.

Group chairman Patrick Healy said that the deal would bring the total number of Boeing 777-9 aircraft orders to 35 and would boost the group’s overall investments to more than HK$100 billion over the coming years.