Dhaka: The Cathay Group announced plans to add 32 Airbus A320neo and A321neo aircraft to the fleets of its two airlines—Cathay Pacific and HK Express.

The aircraft will join the fleets of the two airlines by 2029, with the group saying they will principally be serving destinations in the Chinese Mainland and elsewhere in Asia, as per reports.

In the announcement, the group explained that today's commitment is an investment in its fleet's continued expansion and modernisation and supports its aim to grow flight connectivity at the Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) hub. This new commitment will bring the Group's new aircraft deliveries to more than 70 aircraft.

On this note, Ronald Lam, CEO, Cathay Group, said, it is committed to investing in the group's long-term future and the Hong Kong international aviation hub, which is expected to grow exponentially with the operation of the Three-Runway System.

Cathay Group placed an order for 32 Airbus A321neos in 2017 and has already taken in 13 of the jets, and today's commitment adds up to another 32 single-aisle Airbus aircraft to the Group's fleet.

According to reports, Cathay Pacific has 12 A321neos in its fleet with four to be delivered, while HK Express has one A321neo with 15 on order.

Apart from the 12 A321neos, Cathay Pacific's narrowbody fleet includes four A320-200s and three A321-200s. Its widebody passenger fleet has 51 A330-300s, 29 A350-900s, 18 A350-1000s, 17 Boeing 777-300s and 39 777-300ERs.

Also, Cathay has 20 freighters, including 14 747-8Fs and six 747-400ERFs, bringing its total fleet count to 193 aircraft.

HK Express is the Group's low-cost carrier and operates an all-Airbus fleet of 28 aircraft, with the 15 A321neos to be delivered. The current fleet includes six A320-200s, 10 A320neos, 11 A321-200s and the one A321neo.