Cathay Pacific Receives Its First Boeing 747-8 Freighter

Cathay Pacific Airways has taken delivery of its first Boeing 747-8 Freighter, making the Hong Kong-based carrier the second freight operator worldwide to receive Boeing’s newest freighter.

With this new addition to its fleet, Cathay Pacific Airways also becomes the first carrier in Asia Pacific to operate the Boeing 747-8.“We are pleased to take delivery of this excellent new freighter, which will be a perfect addition to the Cathay Pacific cargo fleet,” says John Slosar, Cathay Pacific Airways’ chief executive officer. “The B747-8F will help us further strengthen Hong Kong’s position as the world’s leading international air cargo hub. We look forward to the efficiency and environmental benefits that we expect to realise with this great new airplane.”

Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific Airways took delivery of its first Boeing 747-8 Freighter on October 31, 2011, making it the second freight operator worldwide to take delivery of Boeing’s newest and largest freighter. Cathay Pacific also became the first carrier in Asia Pacific to operate the 747-8. The new aircraft was the first of 10 747-8 Freighters ordered by Cathay Pacific

The 747-8 Freighters are expected to progressively replace 747-400 Boeing Converted Freighters (BCFs) in the Cathay Pacific Cargo fleet. Cathay Pacific currently operates six 747-400 Freighters, six 747-400ER Freighters and eight 747-400BCFs.

“Cathay Pacific’s integration of this new freighter into their fleet strengthens their industry position and proves once again their commitment to being a market leader,” says Jim Albaugh, Boeing Commercial Airplanes’ president and CEO.

From the day it is delivered, the 747-8 Freighter will give Cathay Pacific double-digit-percentage improvements in fuel burn, operating costs and lower emissions compared with the 747-400 Freighter, according to Boeing.

The Boeing 747-8 Freighter provides 16 per cent more revenue-generating cargo volume than the 747-400F and boasts a significantly improved environmental performance. Per seat-kilometer, its carbon dioxide emissions are 16 per cent lower than those of the 747-400 Freighter. It also reduced its noise footprint by more than 30 per cent.

Eight customers have ordered a total of 75 747-8 Freighters.

Source: airlinesanddestinations and flighglobal