Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific Group has entered a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Airbus to purchase 32 A321neo aircraft for HK$31.7bn ($4bn).

The new aircraft will help group affiliate Cathay Dragon to replace and expand its existing single-aisle fleet of 23 jets, which include 15 Airbus A320s and eight Airbus A321 jets.

The newly ordered aircraft are set to be delivered between 2020 and 2023 and will be equipped with the latest cabins, seats and in-flight entertainment options.

“The intention to purchase these 32 environmentally friendly aircraft will allow us to add new destinations to Cathay Dragon’s network."

Cathay Dragon also operates 24 wide-body Airbus A330 aircraft to serve 56 destinations in Asia, including 28 cities in China.

Cathay Pacific CEO and Cathay Dragon chairman Rupert Hogg said: “The intention to purchase these 32 environmentally friendly aircraft will allow us to add new destinations to Cathay Dragon’s network.

“We also intend to increase frequencies on some of our most popular routes in order to provide our customers with more travel choices and convenience.

“Having focused on modernising and expanding Cathay Pacific’s long-haul fleet in recent times, this is an exciting new chapter for Cathay Dragon following last year’s rebranding to enhance a seamless travel experience for our customers.”

The A321neo can seat a maximum of 240 passengers and has an extended flying range of up to 6,850km.

According to Airbus, its A321neo family of aircraft produces up to 50% less noise than the current generation of A321 aircraft.