They do say that everything in life is about timing.
The day Cathay Pacific unveiled Aria Suite, their luxurious new business class cabin, at a special event in Sydney, I was sampling the current offering on a flight to Hong Kong.
The new cabins on the Sydney to Hong Kong route will have 24-inch 4K ultra high-definition screens, intelligent lighting, fully lie-flat beds and a suite door for enhanced privacy, all intended to take the business class experience “to the next level”.
Aussies flying on Cathay’s retrofitted 777-300ER aircraft will be the first outside Europe to sample this on a long-haul flight, in addition to a new premium economy and refreshed economy cabin, on their five-times a week service.
“Each plane is on a schedule for us to bring in fresh new products that ensure we deliver on our ambition to be one of the world’s greatest service brands – and, from there, the best premium airline,” commented Vivian Lo, General Manager Customer Experience and Design at Cathay.
(Above): The new Aria Suite
Which all sounds very exciting going forward but let me assure you, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with the existing product, one of the best I’ve been privileged to sample.
Initial airport formalities were super smooth thanks to a seamless combo of online check in and self-serve machines at Sydney Airport. This allowed me to print my own luggage tag (always make a mess of putting those things on!) and boarding passes, drop my bag and be off to passport control, all within 10 minutes.
Boarding was equally swift due to the business class ticket I held in my extremely excited hand and within moments of being greeted by flight services manager Van at the door I was sliding into seat 22D.
I say sliding because the entrance is a little narrow but once you’re in it’s a veritable cocoon of comfort.
First impressions were extremely favourable. While there was some empty air space between me and the lady next door, the design of our seats meant we couldn’t actually see each other unless performing some kind of human origami manoeuvre.
My seat was in the second of two spacious, bright, modern sections with 14 other lucky souls settling in for the nine-and-a-half hour trip to Hong Kong on this 777-300ER.
Adorned with subtle swatches of grey and green fabric, my pod had a convenient storage compartment by my right shoulder containing a Bamford amenities case along with noise-cancelling headphones and a bottle of water.
The controls for the large fold out TV and charging points for phone and laptop were also set handily to my right. A seat cover, duvet, pillow and slippers were waiting at my feet.
As I poured through the contents of said amenities case (body gel, balm, mouthwash, pillow mist, toothbrush & paste, ear plugs and face mask) like a kid at Christmas, the rest of the passengers embarked and boarding was completed in a remarkably swift 15 minutes, just enough time for me to finish off the glass of champagne Van had proffered.
Take-off was on time and shortly afterwards a delicious apéritif of scallop and veggies came out, followed by a lunch order (Cathay still have printed menus for us old folk).
I had a creamy and tangy tomato soup followed by Japanese pork katsu with curry and rice (slow cooked lamb shoulder or Kung pao chicken were also on the menu) served on a pristine white tablecloth and with real cutlery.
Dessert, which was served on an actual dessert trolley a la the five-star hotels, was a mango and pineapple cheese cake, all washed down with a cheeky La Perriere Sauvignon Blanc, although the range of adult beverages available was comprehensive.
Suitably replete, it was time to check out the entertainment options and needless to say they were plentiful and varied. Recent release movies, old classics, TV shows, games, music and the ubiquitous flight map.
Selecting a ‘Gladitorial’ offering, I decided it was time to see just how far my seat would recline. With just three simple buttons to press I was horizontal within seconds, enjoying frequent top ups of my wine glass as the politics of Rome unfolded.
I find with some airlines these days that you have to go hunting for the cabin staff who seem to have lost the will to regularly check that their passengers are enjoying the experience.
There was no such issue with the Cathay crew, who were attentive, responsive and ever smiling. When it comes to great service, it seems our friends in Asia just know how to do it that much better.
Other important things to mention: Wi-Fi is free for passengers in business class and the cabin also has the biggest toilet I’ve ever seen on an airplane. Sometimes it’s the little things…
Dinner came and went (steak sandwich with cheese and onion jam = yum!) and then it was time for a nanna nap.
Cover and duvet in place, I slept soundly for a few hours, although at 1.85 metres tall I did find the tapering of the foot space slightly inconvenient, forcing me to sleep either with one foot on top of the other or with my legs pulled up in a semi-foetal position.
However, this was but a minor issue and as we arrived in Hong Kong bang on time I disembarked with a spring in my step and a massive regret that the next leg of my trip to Europe wouldn’t be in the same class.
My long legs aside, there really was nothing but joy to be had in the business class cabin of Cathay Pacific. If, as they say, they’ve taken this outstanding product and made it even better, I have only one thing to say.
Pick me!
Flight details
Flight number: CX0162
Route: Sydney to Hong Kong
Aircraft: Boeing 777-300ER
Seat: 22D
Departing: 11:05am
Arriving: 5:30pm
Duration: Nine hours and 25 minutes
Below: The new Aria Suite cabin
