Cathay Pacific’s new business class Aria Suites are taking flight

It’s no secret that competition in the aviation industry is an exhausting battle. From Qatar Airways – best known for its sliding-door QSuites – to Finnair’s innovative, sustainably-focused seats that don’t recline, airlines are constantly looking for new ways to entice. Add champagne, caviar and chef-crafted food menus, alongside high thread count sheets and ergonomic mattresses, and the question is: how do you stand out from the crowd?

Cathay Pacific introduces chic new business class suites

The latest to expand its offering is Cathay Pacific, with the Hong Kong airline investing more than HK$100 billion (about £10 million) to improve the customer experience and strengthen the city as an international hub. The first reveal of the ambitious plans is a top-to-bottom makeover of the Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, including a redesigned Economy Class cabin, a new Premium Economy and – as the crown jewel – the long-awaited Aria Business Class suites .

With over 45 seats in the current Cathay Pacific 1-2-1 herringbone layout, the new offering may not be the most revolutionary at first glance, but once embedded the new look and thoughtful details are a huge improvement that puts the customer first and foremost. feels like an extension of what Cathay stands for. “The key design philosophy around the Aria Suite, as well as throughout the aircraft, is ‘Human Centric Design,’” says Vivan Lo, the GM of Customer Experience & Design. ‘We listened to our customers and kept them top of mind at every stage of the design process. Meeting their needs has been the key touchstone for every decision.”

The cocoon-like result, visible through soft mood lighting, suede walls, natural wool fabrics in muted shades of Cathay’s signature green color and gold accents – in addition to a sliding door for extra privacy – is thoughtful and refined. “We wanted to reimagine Business Class in a way that feels more personal, almost as if you were entering a carefully designed space designed as an art form, where every detail speaks of comfort and thoughtfulness,” says Lo.

In addition to amenities from skincare brand Bamford and ample storage, such as a sliding drawer on the console for valuables, other smart additions include wireless charging and a 24-inch ultra-high-definition TV screen, which can be linked via Bluetooth to a personal headphones . All this is enhanced by newly designed toilets – the status of which you can see on your screen – free WiFi and a gallery of works by artists such as Koon Wai Bong, Elaine Chiu and Gordon Cheung, all of whom have a connection to Hong Kong.

With the plan to equip thirty Boeing 777-300ER aircraft at a rate of approximately one per month, long-haul flights will start in January 2025, firmly consolidating Cathay Pacific’s position in international aviation.

flights.cathaypacific.com