Delayed but Doubling Down: Cathay Pacific Orders More Boeing 777X

For Boeing, Cathay Pacific’s commitment is a badly needed vote of confidence in a program that has tested airlines’ patience to the limit.

Cathay Pacific has placed its first plane order with Boeing in more than a decade. On Wednesday, the Hong Kong carrier ordered 14 more 777X widebody jets.

Despite being a major Boeing customer, the deal wasn’t guaranteed. Cathay Pacific’s fleet overhaul strategy has been severely disrupted by huge delays to the 777X program.

Boeing’s new twin-aisle jet – a successor to the highly successful 777 – was due to enter service in 2020-21. However, regulatory hold-ups, a crippling labor dispute, and the pandemic have all contributed to the massive project overrun.

Last October, Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg revealed the company would need to de