GE Aerospace Secures Agreement to Power Cathay Pacific’s 777-9s with More Engines

GE Aerospace (GE•NYSE) has strengthened its global aviation footprint through a significant agreement with Cathay Pacific. The Hong Kong-based airline has signed a deal to acquire additional GE9X engines, which will power its upcoming Boeing 777-9 fleet. This move not only enhances Cathay’s future long-haul capabilities but also reinforces GE Aerospace’s position as a leader in next-generation aircraft engine technology.

Cathay Pacific’s Fleet Expansion Strategy

Cathay Pacific is pushing forward with its fleet modernization plan, and the latest agreement plays a crucial part. The carrier will add 18 GE9X engines, along with spare engines and a long-term services agreement. These new engines are set to power the airline’s order of 21 Boeing 777-9s, with deliveries expected to begin in 2025.

This agreement follows Cathay’s earlier commitment to modernize its long-haul aircraft, aligning with its broader strategy to become more efficient, reliable, and environmentally responsible. The 777-9s will gradually replace older aircraft and improve fuel savings across its global routes.

What Makes the GE9X Engine So Valuable?

The GE9X is GE Aerospace’s most advanced commercial engine. Designed exclusively for the Boeing 777X family, it is currently the most fuel-efficient jet engine GE has ever built for a wide-body aircraft.

Its features include:

• Composite fan blades and ceramic matrix composites make it lighter and more durable.
• A 10% fuel burn improvement over the GE90 engine used in the older 777 models.
• Reduced emissions and a quieter performance align with stricter aviation standards.

These technological advances position GE Aerospace as a pioneer in sustainable aviation solutions.

Strategic Importance for GE Aerospace

This deal is more than just a sale of engines. It highlights GE Aerospace’s long-term partnership with one of Asia’s most prestigious airlines. Cathay Pacific first began its relationship with GE engines decades ago, and this new order reinforces the trust in GE’s innovation and reliability.

The long-term services agreement (LTSA) included in the deal ensures GE will support engine maintenance, performance monitoring, and parts replacement, giving Cathay peace of mind throughout the aircraft’s lifecycle.

This is part of GE’s “Power by the Hour” approach, where customers pay based on engine usage, ensuring maximum uptime and cost predictability.

Sustainable Aviation Goals

Both GE Aerospace and Cathay Pacific are aligned in their sustainability ambitions. GE’s commitment to developing lower-carbon propulsion technologies is evident in the GE9X engine. It uses advanced materials that can withstand higher temperatures, allowing engines to run hotter and more efficiently. These innovations reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, helping airlines move toward net-zero emissions goals.

Cathay Pacific, a signatory to the Clean Skies for Tomorrow Coalition, is aiming to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The GE9X-powered 777-9s will be key in reaching this target.

A Vote of Confidence in Boeing 777-9 Program

The decision to move forward with the GE9X engine reflects Cathay’s confidence in Boeing’s 777-9 program, which has faced delays in certification and deliveries. With this agreement, Cathay Pacific signals a strong belief in the future performance and operational value of the 777-9 aircraft.

The aircraft offers:

• More seating capacity
• Longer range
• Improved fuel economy

Paired with the GE9X engine, the Boeing 777-9 is expected to become a flagship for many global airlines over the next decade.

GE Aerospace’s Market Leadership

GE Aerospace continues to dominate the aviation engine market, especially in the wide-body segment. The GE9X follows a legacy of success after the GE90 and CF6 engines, which powered earlier generations of Boeing and Airbus aircraft.

With customers like Emirates, Lufthansa, and now Cathay Pacific choosing GE9X, the engine has become a global standard for the new era of twin-engine, long-haul flying.

GE Aerospace’s global MRO (Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul) network further strengthens its market lead, ensuring operational readiness and safety for airlines around the world.

Economic Impact and Global Supply Chain

The GE9X engine program supports thousands of jobs across GE’s global supply chain, including facilities in the U.S., U.K., and Asia. Its development has created skilled employment in areas such as:

• Advanced manufacturing
• Composite materials engineering
• Software and digital monitoring systems

Moreover, the ongoing demand for these engines ensures that GE Aerospace remains a pillar of economic growth in the aviation industry.

What This Means for Passengers

For travelers, the new engines mean quieter flights, less fuel consumption, and a smaller environmental footprint. The GE9X’s design ensures smoother operations, fewer delays due to mechanical issues, and improved reliability.

Passengers flying Cathay Pacific’s future 777-9s can expect:

• More comfortable cabins
• Wider seats
• Lower noise levels

This aligns with the airline’s goal to offer premium long-haul service while being eco-conscious.

Future Outlook

This deal is a major win for both GE Aerospace and Cathay Pacific. It underlines the role of next-gen engine technology in shaping the future of aviation. As the airline industry rebounds post-pandemic, such partnerships will lead the way in building a cleaner, more efficient global fleet.

GE Aerospace is expected to see continued growth as more airlines transition to newer aircraft. With sustainability, reliability, and innovation at its core, GE remains a trusted name in aviation propulsion.

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