CX strips to save on fuel costs

HONG KONG - Cathay Pacific Airways’ first “silver bullet” freighter, stripped bare of most of its paint, went into service today as part of an innovative airline initiative that asked staff for ideas to cut spiralling fuel costs.

Less weight reduces aircraft fuel burn. The polished silver fuselage makes the Boeing 747 about 200 kg lighter and saves more than HK$1.5 million (US$193,000) on its annual fuel bill. Virtually the entire aircraft body has been stripped bare, with the exception of the tail and a strip along the aircraft’s nose to maintain the airline’s identity.

Ultimately all 14 freighter aircraft in the Cathay Pacific fleet will undergo the transformation. They will get the new look when they undergo a scheduled maintenance overhaul over the next couple of years. The full livery on passenger aircraft will remain unchanged.

Lighter cargo and baggage containers are also being introduced across the entire Cathay Pacific fleet to make further weight and fuel savings.