-Cathay Pacific is first operator of newest Boeing freighter in Asia Pacific

EVERETT, Wash., Nov. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Boeing (NYSE: BA) has delivered a 747-8 Freighter to Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific Airways, making it the second freight operator worldwide to take delivery of Boeing’s newest freighter. With this new addition to its fleet, Cathay Pacific also becomes the first carrier in Asia Pacific to operate the 747-8. The new airplane is the first of 10 747-8 Freighters Cathay Pacific has on order with Boeing.

“We are pleased to take delivery of this excellent new freighter, which will be a perfect addition to the Cathay Pacific cargo fleet,” said Cathay Pacific Chief Executive Officer John Slosar. “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.”

The 747-8 Freighters are expected to progressively replace the 747-400 Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF) 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,” said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Jim Albaugh.

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

“Cathay Pacific is a proven world-class operator,” said Ihssane Mounir, senior vice president of Sales & Marketing for greater China and Korea, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “We thank Cathay Pacific for their confidence in the biggest and newest Boeing freighter.”

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

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

Source and photo: Boeing