Air Hong Kong to Add A330 Freighter to Strengthen Regional Cargo Network
- Jun 19
- 2 min read
Air Hong Kong, the all-cargo subsidiary of the Cathay Group, will expand its fleet with an additional Airbus A330 freighter, further boosting regional cargo capacity and supporting Hong Kong’s position as one of the world's leading air freight hubs. The aircraft is scheduled to join the airline's fleet in the fourth quarter of 2026 under a long-term lease agreement with Cargo Aircraft Management (CAM), a subsidiary of Air Transport Services Group (ATSG).
The carrier currently operates a fleet of 14 Airbus A330 freighters after retiring its Airbus A300-600F fleet in 2025. The additional aircraft will primarily be deployed on routes connecting Hong Kong with Mainland China and other regional destinations across Asia.
The fleet expansion comes as the Cathay Group continues to invest heavily in its cargo operations. Earlier this year, Cathay Cargo increased its Airbus A350F order by two aircraft, bringing its total order book to eight next-generation freighters, with deliveries expected to begin in 2027.
Dominic Perret, Cathay Director Cargo, said the additional A330 freighter will support the group’s long-term growth strategy and enhance operational flexibility across the regional network. According to Perret, the aircraft will complement the future A350F fleet while providing freight forwarders with additional capacity options.
Air Hong Kong Chief Operating Officer Agatha Lee highlighted that the aircraft will help the carrier capitalize on opportunities created by Hong Kong International Airport’s new Three-Runway System. She added that the expansion marks an important step in Air Hong Kong’s development as the airline continues to strengthen its role in the region’s air cargo market.
Cathay Cargo currently operates a fleet of 20 Boeing 747 freighters in addition to utilizing belly cargo capacity across the Cathay Group’s extensive passenger network serving more than 100 destinations worldwide. The latest A330 addition forms part of Cathay’s broader investment program, which includes significant spending on fleet modernization, digital innovation, and infrastructure development.
With demand for regional air cargo services remaining strong and Hong Kong continuing to expand its aviation infrastructure, the new A330 freighter is expected to play a key role in supporting Cathay Cargo’s future growth and strengthening connectivity across Asia.
Image source: aircargonews.net
