CATHAY Pacific Airways has pushed back the retirement date of the last of its ageing Lockheed L1011 TriStars because of an anticipated aircraft shortage when it launches services to New York next year.
The move was announced as the airline struck a deal with Airbus Industrie of Europe to buy two A330s that were used as test aircraft during the manufacturer's development programme.
Cathay spokesman Kwan Chuk-fai said the two twin-engine jets were bought at a 'very competitive price' but he would not disclose the cost.
The list price for an A330 is US$113 million and it is understood Cathay got a 15 per cent discount.
'These test aircraft will be sent back to the factory for complete rewiring, structural audits and replacement of any worn parts, so they should be just like new,' said Cathay's Airbus fleet manager, Captain Rick Fry.
'This deal has been under negotiation for some time and represents an ideal opportunity to increase our capacity in the region with the best seat-mile cost aircraft in the world, at significantly less cost than a new aircraft.' The first test A330 is due for delivery in the fourth quarter of next year and the second in the first quarter of 1997.