Cathay Pacific Shows Off New Business Class Suite On Retrofitted Boeing 777-300ER

Cathay Pacific has unveiled its new business class suites, called Aria Suite, as well as its new premium economy and revamped economy cabins onboard its retrofitted Boeing 777-300ER fleet. The first retrofitted aircraft successfully debuted yesterday between Hong Kong and Beijing and will slowly be introduced to other routes.

Cathay Pacific shows off 777-300ER cabin retrofits

The Hong Kong-based carrier unveiled its brand-new Aria Suite product at a special event at Hong Kong International Airport on October 16th. Whilst retaining some features from Cathay’s current business cabin – including lie-flat seats and a reverse herringbone layout – the sleek new suites feature the likes of:

• A sliding door for enhanced privacy
• Multiple charging outlets (wireless, USB-A, USB-C, AC)
• Various stowage compartments
• Custom lighting and personal seat controls
• 24-inch 4k ultra-HD screen, the largest ever on a Cathay aircraft

This will be the first time Cathay has offered a suite door, which it says will give business passengers a “fully-enclosed private space” to work, rest and relax. Middle suites will have a movable divider that gives passengers the choice of privacy or leaving it open. Aisle-side armrests will also be adjustable to improve passenger comfort, including lowering to extend the surface of the bed.

In terms of the trim and finish, the suite seats will be dressed in natural wool and surrounded by soft suede walls. The seat fabric will be all-in-one, allowing it to seamlessly convert into a lie-flat bed, supported by a premium leather headrest.

Business passengers won’t be lacking when it comes to storage, with multiple compartments available. Along with ample overhead storage, there will be a side cabinet, sliding drawer and additional side stowage areas. Each business cabin entrance will also feature a selection of Hong Kong-inspired artists, dubbed the “Gallery in the Skies.”

Premium economy

Featuring leather headrests and padded footrests, the airline’s new premium economy will prove a luxurious step-up from the main cabin. Each headrest also features “wings” that provide a degree of privacy as well as a handy reading light, and will also be useful when trying to sleep.

Each seat will face a 15.6-inch 4K ultra-HD screen, the largest screen of any premium economy cabin with Cathay, equipped with Bluetooth connectivity. Stowage will consist of a front compartment and bottle holder, along with a side compartment fitted with a USB-C charging port. The premium economy cabin will also have two dedicated lavatories.

Economy

The revamped economy cabin will carry over many features of Cathay’s Airbus A350 fleet, but with a few key additions. This includes:

• Extra overhead baggage space
• Updated dress covers
• Latest-generation IFE user interface

Perhaps the biggest addition throughout the aircraft will be the new lavatories, which feature touchless controls for enhanced hygiene. These include a touchless flush button, infrared faucet, and foot-activated wastebin.

Retrofit program

Cathay is embarking on a major retrofit program of its Boeing 777-300ER fleet as part of a huge HK$100 billion ($12.87 billion) investment in its fleet over the next several years. Following the growing global trend of scrapping first class cabins, the airline’s retrofitted 777-300ERs will offer:

• 45 Aria Suites (1-2-1)
• 48 premium economy seats (2-4-2)
• 268 economy seats (3-4-3)

The first retrofitted aircraft has already completed its first flight, flying from Hong Kong to Beijing on October 18th. The plane will continue serving this route until the end of the month when it will then service other regional routes. The first long-haul retrofitted jet is expected to enter service in January next year.