Aug 6 (Reuters) - Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific Airways ( CPCAF )

on Wednesday ordered 14 more Boeing 777-9 jets

and reported a 1% increase in first-half profit on the back of

growing passenger numbers, lower fuel prices and a steady cargo

performance.

The plane order exercises options secured as part of a 2013

order by the Hong Kong-based carrier for 21 of the

next-generation wide-body jets, and adds options to purchase

another seven in the future, the airline said.

Cathay said the 14 jets had a list price of $8.1 billion,

but it had secured significant discounts, as is customary for

major airlines.

The long-delayed 777-9, Boeing's ( BA ) latest version of its 777

plane, has not yet been certified by the U.S. Federal Aviation

Administration. Boeing ( BA ) CEO Kelly Ortberg said last month the

model is undergoing flight testing and the planemaker hopes to

start deliveries next year.

Cathay said in March it was expecting its first 777-9

delivery in early 2027.

The airline reported a first-half profit of HK$3.65 billion

($465 million), but warned of an uncertain outlook in the cargo

market and continued short-term challenges for its low-cost

carrier, HK Express.