Cathay Pacific Asia Miles - CX838/839 Equip Change

Just noticed that the following changes are appearing in the schedules for CX838/839 HKG-YVR-HKG

From 25 October CX838/9 to be operated by 34B (in lieu of EQV or 34D)

Between 18 December and 17 January CX838/9 to be operated by 74A on Tues, Fri and Sun, 34B on Wed, Thur, Sat and Mon

74A to Depart YVR 1325 Arrive HKG 1900+1
34B to Depart YVR 1350 Arrive HKG 2015+1

I didn't realise that the 74A was so much quicker?

Just noticed that the following changes are appearing in the schedules for CX838/839 HKG-YVR-HKG

From 25 October CX838/9 to be operated by 34B (in lieu of EQV or 34D)

Between 18 December and 17 January CX838/9 to be operated by 74A on Tues, Fri and Sun, 34B on Wed, Thur, Sat and Mon

74A to Depart YVR 1325 Arrive HKG 1900+1
34B to Depart YVR 1350 Arrive HKG 2015+1

I didn't realise that the 74A was so much quicker?


Airbuses are always slower than Boeings. On a 12 hour flight, it's normal to see a difference of at least 30 mins no matter what the route is.

Airbuses are always slower than Boeings. On a 12 hour flight, it's normal to see a difference of at least 30 mins no matter what the route is.

Last year I took the CX289 (HKG-FRA) on a 744. There was another CX flight to FRA (operated by A343) which departed approx. 40 mins. before my flight. When I walked out the aircraft at FRA, I saw the landing of the airbus which left HKG earlier than us!

I remember 8-9 years ago when 839/8 were rotating between the 744 & 34C during winter and the flight time difference on the timetable was a good 40-50 min apart.

For CX839 getting the 74A for this short period is without a doubt to match the demand for the peak X-mas/NY period.