Cathay Cargo has again received major industry recognition, winning Cargo Operator of the Year in Air Transport World's 2027 Airline Industry Achievement Awards. It is the fourth time Cathay Cargo has received the honor since 2023, following previous wins in 2023, 2025 and 2026.
ATW said the latest awards mark the 52nd edition of its Airline Industry Achievement Awards, covering airlines, airports and a range of aviation-sector categories. Cathay Cargo's recognition reflects its continued improvements in cargo services, customer-focused operating strategy, and recent investment in digitalization, technology and sustainability.
The award comes as Cathay Cargo continues to expand its freight business. Cathay Cargo Director Dominic Perret said the company will keep investing in fleet, digital capabilities and network development while strengthening Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) as a cargo hub. The Cathay Group has committed around HK$150 billion to fleet, cabin and lounge products, digital innovation and other investments.
Cathay Cargo currently operates 20 Boeing 747 freighters, including 14 747-8Fs and six 747-400ERFs. Its main long-term fleet renewal program is centered on the next-generation Airbus A350F. Cathay initially ordered six A350Fs in 2023 and in May 2026 converted two purchase rights into firm orders, increasing the confirmed total to eight aircraft while retaining 18 purchase options.
The A350F is Airbus' new-generation freighter developed from the A350 platform. Cathay plans to use the aircraft to expand and progressively modernize its long-haul freighter fleet. The airline says the A350F will add available cargo capacity while improving fleet deployment flexibility and operating efficiency, with newer airframe and engine technology also reducing fuel burn and emissions.
The A350F delivery schedule has, however, been affected by changes to the wider development program. Cathay Cargo's latest update says Airbus now has two A350F test aircraft on the final assembly line in Toulouse. The first test airframe has completed structural assembly and received its large main-deck cargo door, with ground and flight testing to follow. Cathay is currently preparing for the A350F to enter its fleet in 2028.
In addition to the longer-term A350F program, Cathay has also taken short-term steps to add capacity. The group has leased an A330 passenger-to-freighter conversion, an A330P2F, for operation by subsidiary Air Hong Kong. The aircraft is intended mainly for mainland China and regional freight services, providing additional capacity before the A350F enters service.
Cathay Cargo's recent fleet investment points toward a future structure combining its existing 747 large freighters, A330P2F regional capacity and the A350F as a new-generation long-haul freighter. As the eight A350Fs are delivered, Cathay Cargo is expected to gain additional long-haul capacity, improved fuel efficiency and greater fleet scheduling flexibility.
