Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd. is doubling down on its long-haul expansion with the first purchase of Boeing Co. widebody aircraft in a dozen years, while it struggles closer to home with its HK Express unit suffering from a sharp drop in regional demand.

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

Cathay Pacific orders 14 more Boeing 777-9 jets, expanding its long-haul fleet as the Hong Kong carrier modernizes operations and global routes.