Cathay Pacific Airways announced on Thursday that it has made its biggest ever commitment for new freighter aircraft with an order for six Boeing 747-400ERF Extended Range Freighters, as it continues to invest in additional cargo capacity to meet aggressive growth plans for the Hong Kong hub.

The six new aircraft are scheduled to arrive between May 2008 and April 2009, according to a press release from the Cathay Pacific.

Cathay Pacific currently operates 97 aircraft, 14 of which are freighters.

Cathay Pacific Chief Executive Philip Chen said, "this latest investment further underscores our long-term commitment to invest in Hong Kong, and is an expression of our confidence in Hong Kong as the premier aviation hub in the Asia Pacific region."

He said "cargo is a major contributor to our continued growth, and we are committed to expanding our freighter fleet to ensure it plays a key role in the future of both Cathay Pacific and Hong Kong as a leading cargo hub."

(Xinhua News Agency June 23, 2006)