Boeing and Cathay Pacific Airways celebrated Monday as the airline took delivery of its 75th airplane purchased directly from Boeing, a 777-300ER (Extended Range).

“The 777 allows us to economically offer non-stop service to the major gateways of the world,” said John Slosar, chief operating officer, Cathay Pacific Airways. “The 777 has great passenger appeal, so it’s really a core airplane for us. It has completely changed our business model over the last three years and enabled us to climb up strongly in the eyes of the traveling public.”

The new airplane expands the airline’s 777 fleet to 34 airplanes, which include 12 777-300s and five 777-200s. Including leased airplanes and those purchased directly from Boeing, the airline also operates 48 747-400 airplanes in both passenger and cargo versions and has committed to expand its 747 fleet with an additional 10 747-8 Freighters with first deliveries beginning in 2011.

Sixty customers around the world have ordered more than 1,100 777s.