Cathay Pacific inks deal for six more A350-900s

Cathay Pacific has inked an agreement with Airbus for the purchase of six more A350-900 aircraft in a deal worth $1.62 billion.

It expects to take delivery of the aircraft between 2016 and 2017 and operate them on long-haul routes to destinations in Europe, said the airline in a stock exchange statement.

It added that the six aircraft, which brings its order for the -900s to 36, will "replenish and expand" its fleet capacity.

"The company expects that the Airbus aircraft will deliver improved payload range capability at competitive operating costs while providing high standards of passenger comfort and safety," said Cathay.

The aircraft will be paid for in eight instalments, with the first seven to be made before delivery and the balance once the aircraft are received.

Funding will come from commercial bank loans and other debt instruments of the airline or cash generated from its business operations, it added.

Cathay had previously said that it needs "new super efficient aircraft" to replace its ageing fleet of Boeing 747-400s and Airbus A340s to meet its expansion plans.

The airline first signed an agreement for 30 -900s in 2010.