05 Jan 2025
#1 Jan 2025: China Aviation Industry Newsletter
Cathay Pacific Reports November 2024 Traffic
Cathay Pacific recorded robust growth in November 2024, carrying over 2 million passengers for the fourth time in a single month. This represents a significant 23.1% year-on-year increase compared to November 2023. The airline’s cargo operations also showed a 15% rise, with 142,601 tonnes of goods transported.
Lavinia Lau, Chief Customer and Commercial Officer, highlighted strong passenger demand across key routes, particularly to Japan and South Korea, driven by Hong Kong-originating traffic and school holiday travel from Southeast Asia. Business-class demand was bolstered by post-Canton Fair travel, showcasing continued recovery in premium segments.
CDB Aviation Sells Two Airbus A330-200s to National Airlines
CDB Aviation has successfully completed the sale of two Airbus A330-200 aircraft to Florida-based National Airlines, a prominent operator in the cargo and passenger charter market. These widebody aircraft, equipped with Rolls-Royce Trent 700 engines, were delivered in July and November 2024.
Jie Chen, CEO of CDB Aviation, expressed enthusiasm for the transaction, noting the importance of these aircraft in supporting National Airlines’ fleet expansion strategy. The A330-200s will help National Airlines meet the growing demand for flexible and efficient air transportation solutions, both in cargo and passenger charter services.
China-Made C919 Trunk Liner Surpasses 1 Million Passengers Milestone
China’s domestically produced C919 trunk liner, developed by the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC), has achieved a remarkable milestone by carrying over 1 million passengers since its commercial debut in May 2023. On December 19, 2024, China Eastern Airlines Flight MU2158 celebrated this achievement, highlighting the success of the C919 program.
As of December 19, 2024, 14 C919 aircraft had been delivered to three major Chinese airlines, completing 6,240 commercial flights across eight high-demand routes. The aircraft has played a vital role in supporting China’s growing civil aviation market, with China Eastern Airlines operating nine of them and leading their integration into commercial service.
Acumen’s Take
On Cathay Pacific’s Passenger Growth
Cathay Pacific’s strong November performance underscores the resurgence of international travel demand, particularly in high-demand routes like Japan and South Korea. Acumen Aviation views this as a positive indicator of continued recovery in the Asian aviation market. The robust demand for premium cabins also signals a sustained rebound in business travel, driven by major events like the Canton Fair.
On CDB Aviation’s Airbus A330-200 Sale
The sale of two A330-200s to National Airlines highlights the enduring demand for widebody aircraft in both passenger and cargo operations. Acumen believes this transaction aligns with market trends of fleet diversification and increased flexibility in response to global transportation needs. National Airlines’ strategic fleet expansion will position them well to capture growth opportunities in the charter market.
On the C919’s Milestone
The C919’s achievement of surpassing 1 million passengers reflects China’s growing capabilities in aircraft manufacturing and its ambition to reduce dependency on foreign aircraft manufacturers. Acumen views the success of the C919 as a critical step in transforming China into a global leader in civil aviation. Its role in high-demand domestic routes demonstrates its value to airlines and its potential for future export markets.
Acumen Aviation © 5 January 2025 All Rights Reserved
