Cathay Pacific Airways, a Hong Kong leading airline, announced Thursday that it had ordered 19 new aircraft to expand its fleet and strengthen Hong Kong as a global aviation hub.

Cathay Pacific Airways said the biggest ever new purchases, including 16 Boeing 777-300ER and three Airbus A330-300 will allow the airline new destinations and greater hub connections.

The airline now has a fleet of 95 aircraft, with 40 passenger aircraft for long-haul flying, including 22 Boeing 747-400 and 18 Airbus A340-600. The newly purchased aircraft, which will be delivered between 2007 and 2010, will put the company on a footing for future success.

Cathay Pacific CEO Philip Chen said: "These orders make an exciting and significant milestone in the development of our airline, demonstrating our Board's confidence in the long-term future of the airline and Hong Kong."

(Xinhua News Agency December 2, 2005)