Cathay Pacific Airways on Wednesday said it plans to buy 14 Boeing 777-9 aircraft and has secured the right to purchase up to seven more.

The deal was unveiled as the carrier reported a 1 percent increase in first half profit for 2025.

"We plan to expand and renew our fleet with the additional 777-9 aircraft, enabling us to continue our rich history of connecting the world with our Hong Kong hub," said Ronald Lam, Cathay Group Chief Executive Officer.

"Cathay Pacific aims to further strengthen our ongoing partnership with Boeing and leverage the world-class features of the new 777-9 as we strive to become the world's best premium airline."

With a range of 7,295 nautical miles (13,510 km), the 777-9 will allow Cathay Pacific to connect passengers directly between Hong Kong and its global long-haul destinations, Boeing said in a statement.

The purchases will bring Cathay's order book of the world's largest twin-engine aeroplane to 35.

The announcement came as the carrier reported a HK$3.7 billion first half profit, a similar level to the same period a year ago, citing higher passenger volumes, lower fuel prices and steady cargo performance.

Passenger revenue rose by 14 percent to just over HK$34 billion, with passenger numbers rising to an average of 75,300 per day - almost 28 percent more than in the same period in 2024.

Cargo revenue rose by 2.2 percent to HK$11 billion. Fuel costs came in at HK$14.6 billion - up from HK$14.1 billion a year ago - and mainly due to a 19 percent rise in consumption.

The company declared an interim dividend of 20 cents per share - the same amount as a year ago.

However, Cathay's wholly-owned budget carrier HK Express reported a loss of HK$524 million, affected by temporary changes in customer preferences away from traditionally strong destinations such as Japan due to earthquake rumours, and the launch of new routes that take time to mature.

"HK Express continues to face short-term challenges. We have seen a pickup in bookings to Japan, though they are yet to return to normal levels," Cathay chairman Patrick Healy said in a statement.