Air Hong Kong (LD, Hong Kong International) is holding onto its remaining A300-600Fs for longer than expected, retiring them from the fleet in 2025 rather than in 2024 as previously planned. The delay, first reported by Cargo Facts, was revealed in updated fleet data supplied by Cathay Pacific Group, Air Hong Kong’s parent entity, when announcing its latest financial results last week.

ADS-B flight tracking data shows the three aircraft, B-LDB (msn 856), B-LDG (msn 870), and B-LDH (msn 871), continue to operate for Air Hong Kong on a daily basis. However, the cargo carrier did retire four A300-600Fs in 2024 and one in 2023. Air Hong Kong told ch-aviation it intends to return the remaining A300 freighters this year. The airline also continues to operate two A330-200Fs and ten A330-300(P2F)s. All of the aircraft, including the remaining A300 freighters, operate for DHL Express.

DHL Express’s Malcolm Macbeth, SVP global air fleet management, told Cargo Facts that it was swapping out its Asia-based A300 freighters for A330-300P2Fs. The smaller freighters will go to Europe where maintenance support is easier. However, delays at conversion facilities may be slowing down this plan. Air Hong Kong also told ch-aviation that its A300 freighters would be replaced by A330 freighters. The A300-600F’s are expected to be transferred to DHL’s European network operating out of Leipzig and East Midlands Airport.