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Cathay Pacific aircraft substitutions
How often does Cathay Pacific do last-minute aircraft substitutions on regional routes? I'm flying them DPS-HKG in November. Originally I was on a Dragonair/Cathay Dragon A330. This flight was somehow cancelled and now I'm rebooked on the earlier flight on a 777-300. While I realize that aircraft substitutions can happen on any airline, I've read that Cathay seems to do this on a regular basis. Would love to be surprised and see an A330, 777-200, or even an A350 show up on the day of departure since I have not been on any of these types in the CX fleet (been on other airline's ones though).
Re: Cathay Pacific aircraft substitutions
A lot depends on the route -- the one I fly most often (TPE - HKG) aircraft substitutions were in the past almost a given. I had one particularly memorable flight where the aircraft type was changing on a daily basis. Over the past three or so years, I've had very few substitutions -- although on our flight back from SGN earlier this year we were surprised to find a 747 make an appearance (and since we were in J, my partner had the opportunity to sit upstairs, much to his delight).
Since CX has streamlined its fleet, substitutions have fallen off dramatically.
Since CX has streamlined its fleet, substitutions have fallen off dramatically.
Re: Cathay Pacific aircraft substitutions
For most regional CX destinations (TPE, BKK, ICN, etc.), the aircraft listing on the timetable should actually be treated as "EQV," based on the amount of substitutions that CX does.
When I flew HKG-ICN last year, my 77W was subbed for a 333, but it wasn't a big deal since it was configured with reverse herringbone J class seats.
When I flew HKG-ICN last year, my 77W was subbed for a 333, but it wasn't a big deal since it was configured with reverse herringbone J class seats.
Re: Cathay Pacific aircraft substitutions
CX is notorious for regional equipment swaps, not route is safe but SIN & BKK are the most frequent. Its getting a lot better though as the fleet reduces in types. Once the A343 & 744s are gone, regional routes will either be A333 or 773 for the most part, maybe some A359 operations here & there.
Re: Cathay Pacific aircraft substitutions
TR1 wrote:How often does Cathay Pacific do last-minute aircraft substitutions on regional routes? I'm flying them DPS-HKG in November. Originally I was on a Dragonair/Cathay Dragon A330. This flight was somehow cancelled and now I'm rebooked on the earlier flight on a 777-300. While I realize that aircraft substitutions can happen on any airline, I've read that Cathay seems to do this on a regular basis. Would love to be surprised and see an A330, 777-200, or even an A350 show up on the day of departure since I have not been on any of these types in the CX fleet (been on other airline's ones though).
Well, at least you have been moved up from Cathay Dragon to proper CX metal, right???
My CX A350-900 flight HKG-BKK was subbed on the day about 2 weeks ago. FWIW the 359 operated that flight # on that day of the week for the 4 weeks prior and the 2 weeks since - just not on the day I was on it LOL. I got another boring A330... I wouldn't have minded an A340-300, 747-400, followed by the -300 then -200 series 777's. But no, just an A330. Anyway, I'll see if the sub happens again in a few weeks but if it does I really don't care because I logged the TG 359 two days ago
Good luck!
Re: Cathay Pacific aircraft substitutions
Thanks for the responses guys!
Was looking forward to trying Dragonair since it would have been a new airline for me.
Looking forward to see what appears at the gate in DPS.
Was looking forward to trying Dragonair since it would have been a new airline for me.
Looking forward to see what appears at the gate in DPS.
Re: Cathay Pacific aircraft substitutions
I am flying CX536 to Nagoya next week, what are the chances of there being a 777-300, 747 or 359 instead of the a333?
Re: Cathay Pacific aircraft substitutions
jacobchoi wrote:I am flying CX536 to Nagoya next week, what are the chances of there being a 777-300, 747 or 359 instead of the a333?
Which day of the week?
Looks like just 333 & 77W have operated it recently.
https://flightaware.com/live/flight/CPA536
Still, CX536 looks easier to predict than CX751 for instance which has had 333, 359, 772, 773 & 77W over the past 2 weeks, as well as the 343 & 744 the week before that
Re: Cathay Pacific aircraft substitutions
It was yesterday, and I got the 33P. Didn't think I would have the chance to sit in those slide forward without reclining into the person behind you chairs (haven't seen them for 3 years already), but in their defence it was quite decent. 
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