Howdy from Hong Kong, as I’m now effectively into my assessment journey, and accomplished the spotlight of this journey. I simply flew Cathay Pacific’s model new Boeing 777-300ER Aria Suite enterprise class, on the 11hr50min flight from London (LHR) to Hong Kong (HKG).
I used to be clearly wanting ahead to this flight, on condition that this represents Cathay Pacific’s subsequent technology enterprise class, which solely not too long ago debuted on lengthy haul flights. I had heard combined issues concerning the product — the brand new seat’s tech is nearly universally praised, whereas I’ve additionally heard some folks point out that the footwells are fairly tight.
In mild of that, I have to admit that the expertise exceeded my expectations, and I believe this can be a phenomenal product. Fairly truthfully, I hadn’t flown Cathay Pacific on a protracted haul flight in a very long time, and I believe this ranks as top-of-the-line on the market. I used to be additionally reminded of what a world class model Cathay Pacific is. I form of forgot that in the course of the pandemic, however my gosh, Cathay Pacific nails so many points of the passenger expertise.
I discovered the suite to be very comfy, and if you mix that with elegant design, wonderful facilities, tasty meals, and pleasant service, Aria Suite is a winner. On this publish I need to share some preliminary ideas, after which quickly I’ll have a full journey report.
Cathay Pacific’s Aria Suite seats are beautiful & comfy
Cathay Pacific’s new Aria Suite is a reverse herringbone seat, in a 1-2-1 configuration. It’s a closely personalized model of the Collins Aerospace Parts seat, which is nearly unarguably the perfect reverse herringbone seat on the market.
Earlier than we even speak about performance, although, I’ve to touch upon how beautiful the cabin is, and the way high-end the finishes really feel. The cabin simply feels so luxurious and classy, by way of the colours, the supplies used, and so on. Cathay Pacific is a model with such a concentrate on design (as is clear based mostly on the provider’s lounges), and Aria Suite actually captures that.
Aesthetics apart, what stood out to me about this reverse herringbone seat in comparison with others? There are some considerate design parts, from the lamp in conjunction with the seat, to a number of storage compartments (together with the “counter” opening up).
The Aria Suite has a door, although it’s a type of doorways that doesn’t fairly shut all the best way. There’s a small hole — personally that doesn’t hassle me a lot, because it’s not like a door truly offers you full privateness, however relatively it contributes to feeling such as you’re in a cocoon. I appreciated how simply the door might slide open and closed.
Now let me deal with the widespread criticism I’ve seen folks point out on the subject of Aria Suite — the footwell is sort of small! Sure, that’s completely true, the little ottoman contained in the footwell isn’t as large as one would hope. Ordinarily that may drive me bonkers, and I’d view it as a significant oversight for a brand new product, because it limits the power to get comfy, and never really feel too restricted.
I used to be frightened about this once I first boarded. However right here’s the factor — as soon as I made my mattress and reclined my seat, I truly didn’t discover this situation in any respect. I believe there’s an vital distinction right here that must be made.
A small ottoman bothers me if your complete footwell feels tight, and limits my capability to sleep comfortably. However I didn’t discover that to be the case within the slightest. I’m a aspect sleeper with large ft, and I used to be positively stunned by how spacious the realm felt round my knees. I had zero points getting comfy, and I might simply flip round again and again with out bumping something.
I discovered this to be among the many most comfy enterprise class seats that I’ve slept in. I received practically six hours of nonstop sleep, which for me, is principally exceptional.
Personally, I give the seat practically good marks, and I’d say it’s akin to Starlux’s A350 enterprise class (which makes use of the identical seating platform).
Cathay Pacific’s Aria Suite tech is next-level
One other space the place Cathay Pacific’s Aria Suite shines is with the tech. Every seat has a 24″ 4K leisure monitor, which simply couldn’t be higher. The display nearly feels too giant, given how shut you’re seated to it.
This display is so crisp, and the leisure system can also be extremely responsive, so tech actually doesn’t higher than this. The map function is great as effectively.
After all there’s bluetooth audio, however even past that, I really like a few of the modern options Cathay Pacific has launched, like a display that can present you which ones bathrooms are unoccupied, and the place they’re in relation to your seat.
Past that, you’ve all of the charging ports you’d count on, together with AC energy shops, and USB-A and USB-C shops.
One other easy however considerate function I like is how there’s a small monitor subsequent to your seat that reveals how a lot time is remaining inflight.
I do know this would possibly sound foolish, however I believe that is good. For instance, once I’m sleeping and need to see how a lot time is left inflight, I don’t need to activate your complete leisure display, as a result of I’ll then battle to return to sleep, on condition that the brightness will wake me up.
So to have the ability to look at a small and comparatively darkish display and see how a lot time is left is superior.
Cathay Pacific’s enterprise class facilities are wonderful
One factor that made the Aria Suite expertise much more comfy was the unimaginable bedding. Cathay Pacific companions with Bamford for bedding, and has what I’d argue is the perfect cover on any airline. It’s nearly like what you’d count on in a mattress at dwelling. On prime of that, there’s a mattress pad, plus an enormous, plush pillow.
The Bamford partnership continues with amenity kits, and you may even decide your most well-liked coloration.
I just like the contents of the package, like Bamford merchandise, plus a really comfy masks.
Cathay Pacific additionally presents slippers in enterprise class, that are helpful for if you need to stand up in the course of the flight.
Cathay Pacific’s enterprise class meals & service are superb
My in a single day flight was departing at round 6PM and arriving round 2PM. Dinner was served after takeoff, and I assumed the meals was superb. Service started with each combined nuts and a smoked salmon canapé. I had a negroni to drink — yum!
For the starter, I selected the poached prawns with spiced horseradish and tomato sauce, which packed fairly the punch by way of taste. I beloved this dish, and thought it was one of many extra inventive starters I’ve been served on an airline.
For the principle course, I ordered the roasted cauliflower with chickpea stew and mint raita. As soon as once more, this was wonderful, and I assumed it was properly plated. Cathay Pacific is at present that includes some Chinese language wines, and I couldn’t assist however strive one, as that was a primary for me.
Lastly, I had some inexperienced tea tiramisu and a cheese plate, each of which have been tremendous tasty.
The inventive meals choices (by airplane requirements) continued with breakfast, the place I had a smoothie bowl of types.
Not solely was the meals nice, however so was the crew. This flight had a mixture of London and Hong Kong based mostly flight attendants, and so they have been superior. Admittedly Cathay Pacific has a considerably completely different service model than different Asian carriers, however I wouldn’t take into account that to be a nasty factor.
Service feels fairly customized, as there’s principally one flight attendant assigned to every part. Gary was taking good care of me, and he was superior. Cabin service supervisor Paul was very skilled as effectively.
Backside line
I had a superb flight in Cathay Pacific’s new Aria Suite enterprise class, and I can’t wait to see this product rolled out on a widespread foundation. In some methods, I felt like I used to be falling in love with Cathay Pacific once more on this flight.
I hadn’t flown Cathay Pacific lengthy haul in a few years, and whereas I’ve continued to make use of the provider’s lounges incessantly, I hadn’t put a lot thought into the onboard product. When you ask me, the Aria Suite expertise ranks among the many greatest enterprise class experiences on the market.
I’ve a few of my rankings I have to replace, like concerning the airways with the perfect bedding, the perfect leisure, and the all-around greatest enterprise class. Very effectively accomplished, Cathay Pacific!
What do you make of Cathay Pacific’s 777 Aria Suite enterprise class?
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