Cathay Group has selected Thales to provide a comprehensive range of advanced avionics for its latest fleet acquisitions. The agreement covers 30 A330neo aircraft for Cathay Pacific and 18 A321neo/A320neo aircraft for HK Express, marking a significant step in the group’s fleet modernization strategy.
The centerpiece of the package is the next-generation Flight Management System (FMS) developed by Airbus, which incorporates Thales’ PureFlyt technology. This system offers superior trajectory computation accuracy and a streamlined interface that reduces pilot workload by displaying only essential information. The intuitive design of the DIRECT TO (DIR TO) page allows pilots to execute shortcuts more efficiently, contributing to reduced fuel consumption and less airspace congestion.
For situational awareness and safety, Thales is supplying its T3CAS traffic collision avoidance system, developed in partnership with ACSS. This integrated solution provides advanced alerting capabilities to help pilots maintain awareness of surrounding air traffic. Additionally, the fleet will feature Thales’ next-generation Low-Range Radio Altimeters (LRRA), engineered to maintain high precision and reliability while remaining resilient against potential radio frequency interference, including 5G signals.
Head-Up Displays (HUD) will further enhance flight deck capabilities, enabling pilots to monitor critical flight parameters while maintaining visual contact with the external environment—particularly beneficial during low-visibility approaches and takeoffs.
Cathay Pacific’s A330neo aircraft will receive an additional capability with the AVIATOR S cockpit satellite communications (SATCOM) system. This solution establishes a high-speed, reliable data link between the aircraft and ground operations, supporting enhanced connectivity and more agile decision-making throughout the flight network.
“This agreement underscores our dedication to delivering cutting-edge innovation and premium service to airlines across the region,” said Thomas Mouveaux, General Manager APAC for Aviation Global Services at Thales. “We are proud to support Cathay Pacific and HK Express with integrated technologies designed to elevate flight safety, operational performance, and cockpit connectivity.”
The selection reinforces Thales’ position as a key technology partner for the Hong Kong-based aviation group, equipping its next-generation fleets with solutions that address both current operational demands and future airspace requirements.
