Hello from Hong Kong! I’m now deep into my review trip, having just completed what I’d consider the highlight: flying Cathay Pacific 777 brand-new Boeing 777-300ER Aria Suite business class on the nearly 12-hour journey from London Heathrow to Hong Kong.
Going into this flight, I was excited but had mixed expectations. This is Cathay Pacific’s next-generation business class, and while many have praised the advanced technology, there’s also been criticism about the tight footwell design. With that in mind, I was pleasantly surprised—the experience far exceeded what I anticipated, and I think this new product is truly outstanding.
It had been quite a while since I last flew Cathay Pacific on a long-haul route. This flight reminded me why Cathay is considered a world-class airline. The attention to detail, from cabin design to service, reaffirmed its strong brand identity that felt somewhat distant during the pandemic years.
The Aria Suite itself is beautiful. Cathay has taken a reverse herringbone layout and elevated it with luxurious finishes and thoughtful design elements, such as a side lamp, multiple storage spaces, and an elegant sliding door. The footwell is indeed on the small side, but surprisingly, it didn’t impact my sleep or comfort. Once I reclined the seat into bed mode, I was able to get nearly six hours of uninterrupted rest—something rare for me on any flight.
Beyond design and comfort, the technology integrated into each suite is top-notch. A 24-inch 4K entertainment screen, bluetooth connectivity, smart lavatory indicators, and a subtle inflight timer display next to the seat all enhance the experience in subtle but meaningful ways. Even the seat controls and charging options felt modern and intuitive.
Cathay’s commitment to comfort continues with its partnership with Bamford for bedding and amenities. The duvet is one of the best I’ve experienced in the sky, and the amenity kit—with your choice of color—features quality skincare and useful extras like a plush sleep mask. Slippers are also offered, adding an extra touch of convenience and comfort.
Catering on this flight was impressive as well. Dinner began with a smoked salmon canapé and mixed nuts, followed by a flavorful poached prawn appetizer and a beautifully presented vegetarian main course. A green tea tiramisu and cheese plate wrapped up the meal, and breakfast the following morning featured a refreshing smoothie bowl. Everything felt thoughtfully curated and delicious.
Equally noteworthy was the crew. The mix of London- and Hong Kong-based flight attendants provided warm and polished service throughout. Cathay’s service style differs from other Asian carriers in being more understated and efficient, but I appreciated the personalized touches. The flight attendant assigned to my section, Gary, was excellent, as was cabin service manager Paul.
All in all, Cathay Pacific’s Aria Suite offers a top-tier business class experience—arguably one of the best available today. I hadn’t realized how much I missed flying Cathay Pacific until this trip, and now I’m eager to see how the airline continues rolling out this impressive new product across its fleet.
