On 30 May 2016, the first Airbus A350 XWB Cathay Pacific arrived in Hong Kong, delivered from Toulouse base. This is the first A350 XWB in an order of 48 units (22 x A350-900 and 26 x A350-1000) placed by Cathay Pacific. The aircraft will be operated on medium and long routes, with Cathay Pacific having the opportunity to increase the quality of services on its routes.
Although the aircraft Airbus A350-900 Cathay Pacific (B-LRA) operated the first flight on 24 March 2016, it was delivered late due to problems with the Zodiac Aerospace chairs in the business class. The aircraft is configured in 3 classes: 38 seats in Business Class, 28 seats in Premium Economy and 214 seats in Economy.
This year, Cathay Pacific will receive 12 Airbus A350-900 aircraft, with the other 10 being delivered to 2017. The first A350-900 Cathay Pacific will go into operation on 1 June, on CX907 flight to Manila. It will operate mainly on regional destinations until more A350 XWBs are received. From Q3, Cathay Pacific will introduce Airbus A350-900 XWB aircraft over long distances, including to London and Dusseldorf.