HONG KONG- Cathay Pacific (CX) revealed its latest business-class seat, the “Aria Suite,” at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) today (October 16, 2024).
The airline first announced plans for this new suite in March 2024, keeping details under wraps until now.
Cathay Pacific New Business Class Aria Suite
The Aria Suite will debut on Cathay Pacific’s Boeing 777-300ER aircraft later this week, marking a significant upgrade from the carrier’s current business class design, which has been in use for over a decade with minor updates.
Cathay Pacific’s new Aria suites retain popular elements like the reverse herringbone arrangement, comfortable beds, and ample storage.
The redesign introduces high seatback shells, adjustable dividers between center seats, and closing doors for increased privacy, marking Cathay Pacific’s first implementation of door-equipped business class suites.
Each Aria Suite boasts a 24-inch 4K ultra-high-definition screen, the largest in the airline’s fleet. Additional features include wireless charging, Bluetooth connectivity, and luxurious finishes to elevate the business-class experience.
Premium economy cabins receive upgrades with enhanced privacy features, including seat wings and dividers. These seats feature 15.6-inch 4K screens with Bluetooth connectivity and dedicated lavatories.
Economy class improvements focus on passenger comfort, with updated seat covers, improved ergonomics, an enhanced in-flight entertainment interface, and innovative flexible headrests.
All cabin classes benefit from universal power plugs, USB-A and USB-C charging ports, and wireless charging pads, eliminating the need for passengers to untangle multiple cords. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the aircraft.
Business class seats recline to fully lie-flat beds. Passengers will continue to enjoy premium bedding, Bamford amenity kits, and menus created in partnership with renowned Hong Kong restaurants.
777 to Fly Soon
The inaugural flight featuring the new cabins is scheduled for October 18. The revamped Boeing 777-300ER configuration will accommodate 361 passengers, comprising 45 business class suites, 48 premium economy seats, and 268 economy class seats. This layout represents the fourth variation of 777-300/300ER seating in Cathay Pacific’s fleet.
According to Cirium, an aviation analytics company, the airline has scheduled this aircraft to operate between Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) and Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK).
The new configuration will fly three times weekly on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Flight CX332 will depart Hong Kong at 12:00 p.m., arriving in Beijing at 3:30 p.m. local time. The return flight, CX331, will leave Beijing at 4:50 p.m., landing in Hong Kong at 8:35 p.m. local time.
Cathay Pacific has not yet filed schedules for this 361-seat 777-300ER beyond October. In contrast, their 368-seat 777-300ERs, configured with 40 business, 32 premium economy, and 296 economy seats, maintain a busy schedule with 91 weekly departures from Hong Kong in October.
The 368-seat configuration serves two North American destinations: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) with three weekly flights and Vancouver International Airport (YVR) with ten weekly flights, TPG reported.
Given the limited number of aircraft equipped with Aria Suites and the gradual rollout of one jet per month, regular flights to the United States featuring the new suites are unlikely shortly.
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