Hong Kong carrier Cathay Pacific said on Wednesday it would place a US$8.1 billion order for 14 Boeing jets, its first with the US aircraft maker for more than a decade. Cathay already has a fleet of more than 230 mostly passenger aircraft,

Boeing (BA) and Cathay Pacific (CPCAF) (CPCAY) said on Wednesday that the Hong Kong-based carrier is ordering 14 more 777-9 passenger jets, bringing its order book to 35 of the world's largest twin-engine airplanes.

Cathay Pacific is betting on the growth of premium, long-haul travel with a deal for more Boeing 777-9 planes.