Cathay Pacific has confirmed that it anticipates a six-month delay in the delivery schedule for its Airbus A350 freighter aircraft. The airline, which has eight of these new cargo planes on order, initially expected the first unit to arrive in late 2026. However, the revised timeline now places the inaugural delivery in the first half of 2027. This information was disclosed by Alex McGowan, Cathay's chief operations and service delivery officer, during the airline's half-year results briefing.
For freight forwarders and logistics professionals, this delay means a slower-than-anticipated increase in Cathay Pacific's dedicated freighter capacity. While the airline continues to utilize its existing fleet, the introduction of the A350 freighters was expected to bolster its long-haul cargo capabilities and potentially influence rates and available space on key trade lanes. Forwarders should monitor Cathay's updated schedules and capacity projections for 2027, as this could lead to adjustments in their air cargo planning and booking strategies, especially for routes where Cathay Pacific is a primary carrier.
