After nearly four years of pandemic-induced dormancy, Cathay Pacific is celebrating a significant milestone. On Thursday, the last aircraft of Cathay’s fleet, stored at Alice Springs, will depart, marking the end of a challenging chapter for the airline. This event coincides with the anticipation of Cathay Pacific’s 80th anniversary in 2026, symbolizing a robust rebound from the COVID-19 crisis.
Alice Springs, renowned for its distinctive red sand, also turns a page as it hosted the temporary grounding of numerous commercial jets. These planes, showcased in striking images depicting serene rows under the vast Australian desert sky, were more than static displays. Despite their peaceful appearance, extensive maintenance was underway at the Asia Pacific Aircraft Storage (APAS) facility, where over 3500 hours a week were dedicated to aircraft upkeep.
The decision to utilize APAS was driven by Cathay Pacific’s urgent need to find a storage solution amidst escalating disruptions in early 2020, just as the typhoon season was looming. Cathay Pacific was the pioneer in choosing APAS, sending its first planes in July 2020. In total, 76 aircraft were moved to the Red Centre, with the very first A330 to arrive also being the last to leave after 1410 days.
At its peak, APAS managed 152 aircraft from various airlines, including Cebu Pacific, Singapore Airlines Group, and Cathay Pacific, along with major lessors. Notably, Qantas opted for storage facilities in California’s Mojave desert due to proximity to its maintenance base in Los Angeles.
Tom Vincent, managing director of APAS, expressed relief and satisfaction at this transition: “We’re just really pleased to see Cathay have all their aircraft back to operation after the major impact COVID-19 had on CX, the entire aviation industry, and all of us as individuals. It represents a return to normality.”
Currently, APAS continues to manage 12 non-COVID groundings, primarily involving Airbus A320neos with Pratt & Whitney engine issues.
However, the journey back to full operational status is complex. According to Robert Taylor, Cathay’s general manager of engineering operations, reactivating an aircraft is a significant endeavor. “Each individual aircraft required six months of lead time,” Taylor explained, highlighting the intricate collaboration with manufacturers like Airbus and Boeing to ensure each plane is flight-ready.
As Cathay Pacific’s last aircraft departs Alice Springs, it not only symbolizes an end but also a new beginning, as the airline looks towards a future of renewed opportunities and challenges.