Cathay Cargo to expand regional network with A330P2F freighter lease from Air Hong Kong

Cathay Cargo is to increase its freighter fleet capacity with the lease of an Airbus A330P2F converted freighter through Air Hong Kong as part of the Cathay Group’s broader push to strengthen its regional and global cargo network. 
The aircraft, leased from Air Transport Services Group (ATSG) via its subsidiary Cargo Aircraft Management (CAM), is scheduled to enter service in the fourth quarter of 2026. It will join Air Hong Kong’s fleet under a long-term agreement and operate primarily across the Chinese Mainland and surrounding regional markets on behalf of Cathay Cargo. 
This development comes shortly after Cathay Cargo placed an order for two additional Airbus A350F freighters, highlighting a dual-track fleet expansion strategy combining next-generation widebody freighters with converted narrowbody capacity to support network flexibility and growth. 
The Cathay Group said the additional capacity will strengthen its ability to scale operations while reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as one of the world’s leading air cargo hubs. The A330P2F will be deployed by Air Hong Kong, the group’s all-cargo carrier and the first dedicated freighter airline based in Hong Kong. 
According to Dominic Perret, Director Cargo at Cathay, the expanded fleet will play a key role in supporting Cathay Cargo’s long-term growth ambitions. He noted that the new A330 freighter will complement the future A350F fleet, offering additional flexibility to expand regional connectivity and provide enhanced service options for freight forwarder partners. 
The aircraft will also allow Air Hong Kong to capitalize on opportunities linked to the development of Hong Kong International Airport’s Three-Runway System. Agatha Lee, Chief Operating Officer of Air Hong Kong, described the addition as a strategic milestone, stating that it will support the airline’s continued expansion and strengthen its role within the evolving aviation hub. 
Air Hong Kong currently operates a fleet of 14 Airbus A330 freighters, primarily dedicated to express cargo services for DHL Express. Within the wider Cathay Group, Cathay Cargo operates 20 Boeing 747 freighters and also leverages belly cargo capacity across its passenger fleet, which serves more than 100 destinations globally. 
The group’s fleet expansion is part of a broader investment strategy exceeding HK$100 billion, which includes new aircraft orders, cabin and lounge upgrades, and digital transformation initiatives. This programme covers more than 100 new aircraft across multiple categories, including narrowbody, regional widebody, long-haul widebody and freighter aircraft, supporting both renewal and long-term growth objectives. 
With the introduction of the A330P2F into its network, Cathay Cargo continues to strengthen its hybrid cargo strategy, combining dedicated freighter expansion with passenger network belly capacity to enhance flexibility, resilience and global reach in an increasingly competitive air cargo market.