Late to the recovery party, lacking personnel, and facing delivery delays, it’s safe to say Cathay Pacific has had a rough trot post-pandemic. Currently operating at roughly 50% of its pre-pandemic passenger – and anticipating 70% by the end of 2023, with help from gifting free tickets – the airline has decided to double down on hard products to lure its previously passionate business-class fans (me being one of them).
Ready for departure in Q2 2024, the new Cathay Pacific Aria business class product will see customers “savour the quiet luxury of Aria” on the airline’s existing 777-300ER, a cabin definitely in need of a spruce.
Teased in a 40sec promotional video, the Aria Suite will feature a sliding privacy door, intuitive storage – with what looks to be integrated wireless charging – and a serene selection of woods and textures to set the scene. From a function perspective, apart from the door, it doesn’t appear a whole lot different to the outgoing reverse herringbone-arranged product but takes aesthetics to a whole new level.
With their new Boeing metal delayed until 2025, it’s likely that Cathay Pacific decided to debut the Aria Aria business class suite early to build hype around a big return to their pre-pandemic heyday. It’s great to see the airline recognise the need to innovate, and not rest on its once-sound reputation, despite the turbulent years of operation.
As a huge fan of their business class, their lounges (which are slowly beginning to open again) and their exemplary first-class product, this is exciting news for me, and for Oneworld flyers alike.
