Delivery is expected to commence from 2027 with the airline stating it will help further strengthen Hong Kong’s status as the world’s number one air cargo hub, providing even greater cargo connectivity between Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland and the rest of the world.

Ronald Lam, Cathay Group chief executive, said: “As we move into 2024, our rebuild journey is gaining momentum. This order marks another major component in our investment for the future.

“It reflects Cathay’s confidence in the Hong Kong hub as we look ahead to the opportunities provided by the Three-Runway System.

“These highly fuel-efficient, next-generation freighters will provide important additional cargo capacity, expand our global network and contribute to our sustainability leadership goals.”

Cathay Cargo states the freighters will link Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland with long-haul destinations in North and South America as well as Europe.

The purchase agreement brings the Cathay Group’s new aircraft deliveries to 77.

Christian Scherer, Airbus chief commercial officer and head of international, said: “There’s a new standard in the cargo space and we are gratified that such a savvy global air-cargo operator as Cathay has joined the growing number of reference players in the air-freight industry selecting the A350F.”

Cathay Cargo’s freighter fleet includes 20 Boeing 747Fs, including 14 B747-8Fs and six B747-400ERFs.

In addition to freighter capacity, Cathay Cargo provides belly capacity through the Cathay Group’s extensive passenger network, providing cargo services to around 80 destinations worldwide.