For probably the most thrilling section of my Aria Suite Journey to Hong Kong, I flew Cathay Pacific’s Boeing 777-300ER trade elegance at the 11hr50min in a single day flight from London (LHR) to Hong Kong (HKG). Easiest of all, this used to be on a aircraft that includes the service’s subsequent era Aria Suite trade elegance.
I’ve lengthy been partial to the Cathay Pacific logo, and the the brand new Aria Suite product in reality takes trade elegance to the following degree. The Aria Suite arduous product is superb, with comfy suites with doorways, fashionable design, and improbable tech. While you upload within the excellent meals and nice carrier, this flight used to be a deal with. I will’t wait to peer this product’s footprint amplify.
How I booked my Cathay Pacific trade elegance price ticket
I redeemed miles for my Cathay Pacific trade elegance price ticket, and it used to be a part of a bigger itinerary, because it additionally integrated my British Airlines Membership Suites trade elegance flight from Washington to London. In particular, I booked the next in trade elegance for 115,000 Cathay Pacific Asia Miles plus $351.17 in taxes & charges:
2/04 BA216 Washington to London departing 6:00PM arriving 6:15AM (+1 day)
2/05 CX250 London to Hong Kong departing 5:50PM arriving 2:35PM (+1 day)
Cathay Pacific’s Asia Miles program isn’t normally amongst my favorites, regardless that I discovered this to be a excellent deal. No longer simplest is it great that this system means that you can path from the United States to Hong Kong by means of Europe, however service imposed surcharges on British Airlines also are a lot not up to they’d be via different techniques.
Cathay Pacific is switch companions with some primary transferable issues currencies, because it companions with Amex Club Rewards, Capital One, and Citi ThankYou.
Cathay Pacific trade elegance living room & boarding
In earlier installments, I reviewed the Cathay Pacific Industry Living room and Cathay Pacific First Living room Heathrow, that are out of the ordinary outstation lounges (I may get entry to the latter as a result of my oneworld Emerald standing). I had many of the day on the airport, so it used to be a pleasant position from which to paintings.
My flight used to be departing from gate 40, rather a distance from the living room. Boarding scheduled at 5:20PM, half-hour forward of time table. Boarding started as deliberate, with oneworld Emerald individuals invited to board first, adopted via trade elegance passengers and oneworld Sapphire individuals.
Cathay Pacific gate London Heathrow
Cathay Pacific 777 Aria Suite trade elegance cabin & seats
I boarded throughout the ahead door, the place I used to be greeted via the pleasant team, and pointed proper into the cabin. Cathay Pacific’s 777s supplied with the Aria Suite product have 45 trade elegance seats, unfold throughout 12 rows, in a 1-2-1 configuration.
Cathay Pacific’s Aria Suite is a closely custom designed model of the innovative Collins Aerospace Parts seat (Starlux Airways used to be the release buyer for this seat), designed in partnership with JPA Design.
The ahead cabin (between doorways one and two) includes a general of 25 trade elegance seats. There are six complete rows, with an extra seat within the again proper nook, within the 7th row.
Cathay Pacific 777 Aria Suite trade elegance cabin
Cathay Pacific 777 Aria Suite trade elegance cabin
Then the rear cabin boasts a complete of 20 trade elegance seats, with 5 complete rows of seats.
Cathay Pacific 777 Aria Suite trade elegance cabin
Cathay Pacific 777 Aria Suite trade elegance cabin
Sooner than we even communicate in regards to the capability of the seats, I wish to point out that my first impact of the cabin used to be simply how fashionable it’s. Cathay Pacific has lengthy been identified for its surprising living room design, however that very same class hasn’t in reality made its approach onboard airplane.
I believe that this has modified with the service’s newest cabin upgrades, and I’m so glad to peer it. I really like the cabin colours, the fabrics used, and the finishes, as they really feel sublime and opulent. There’s even some artwork within the galleys.
Cathay Pacific 777 Aria Suite galley artwork
With regards to the real seats, the ones touring with a spouse would possibly choose to select a couple of seats within the middle. Opposite herringbone seats aren’t superb for this, because you’re nonetheless angled, and rather a distance aside, however it’s higher than not anything. If you happen to do finally end up in this sort of seats with no spouse, concern no longer, as there’s a defend for privateness.
Cathay Pacific 777 Aria Suite trade elegance seats
Cathay Pacific 777 Aria Suite trade elegance seats
For the ones touring by myself, or those that simply price a view out the window, you’ll need to make a choice probably the most window seats. There’s no longer a lot variability between seats, so all of it comes all the way down to what’s to be had and what your personal tastes are (not like in every other configurations, the bulkhead seats don’t be offering additional room).
Cathay Pacific 777 Aria Suite trade elegance seats
Cathay Pacific 777 Aria Suite trade elegance seats
I assigned myself seat 23K, the window seat at the proper facet within the very remaining row (in step with my personal tastes).
Cathay Pacific 777 Aria Suite trade elegance seat
There’s simplest such a lot variability you’ll to find between opposite herringbone seats throughout airways, regardless that Cathay Pacific controlled to make some spectacular incremental enhancements.
Cathay Pacific 777 Aria Suite trade elegance seat
Seats characteristic 43″ of pitch (because of the perspective they’re at), plus are 21″ extensive, so the seating floor is a superb width. When reclined, seats change into 78″ flat beds.
Cathay Pacific 777 Aria Suite trade elegance seat
Each and every seat has a 24″ 4K UHD track, which would possibly simply be probably the most spectacular leisure display screen and device you’ll to find on any airline in trade elegance.
Cathay Pacific 777 Aria Suite trade elegance seat
As is usual for opposite herringbone merchandise, there’s a console subsequent to the seat, with some cutting edge options.
Cathay Pacific 777 Aria Suite trade elegance seat console
For one, there’s an enclosed, vertical garage compartment, the place the headphones may also be positioned. There’s even a reflect that pops out. This could also be the place you’ll to find the leisure controller, regardless that I to find that to be needless, for the reason that track could also be touchscreen.
Cathay Pacific 777 Aria Suite trade elegance seat garage
Cathay Pacific 777 Aria Suite trade elegance leisure controller
Then the facet desk may also be slid ahead, to show any other garage compartment, which turns out to be useful.
Cathay Pacific 777 Aria Suite trade elegance seat garage
Beneath the facet desk is a small track, which is able to keep an eye on the seating positions and lights.
Cathay Pacific 777 Aria Suite trade elegance seat controls
When no longer in use, I really like how this track routinely presentations the remainder flight time. This would possibly sound elementary, however it’s a kind of little touches that presentations the eye to element that used to be put into the design. While you’re slumbering, it’s useful so that you can look at just a little display screen and spot for a way lengthy you’ve been asleep, and what sort of time is last, with out the sunshine air pollution of probably the most different screens.
Cathay Pacific 777 Aria Suite trade elegance seat controls
The tray desk extends out from beneath the leisure track, and may also be folded over in part. It’s simple to slip ahead and backward, so it’s nonetheless imaginable to get from your seat when it’s prolonged.
Cathay Pacific 777 Aria Suite trade elegance seat tray desk
The Aria Suite cabin options all of the newest charging choices, together with AC energy, USB-A, USB-C, and wi-fi.
Cathay Pacific 777 Aria Suite trade elegance seat charging
There’s any other garage space at the aisle-side of the seat — Cathay Pacific did a forged process maximizing space for storing with this new seat.
Cathay Pacific 777 Aria Suite trade elegance seat garage
Finally, as you’d be expecting, there’s a door at every seat, which is unlocked whilst inflight. As is not unusual on many airways, the door doesn’t shut all of the approach, however relatively there’s nonetheless an opening. That’s no longer an enormous deal, because it’s no longer like every door if truth be told supplies complete privateness.
Cathay Pacific 777 Aria Suite trade elegance seat door
The one thing more price citing is that Cathay Pacific doesn’t have particular person air nozzles on its 777s. That’s no longer superb, however thankfully I discovered the cabin wasn’t stored too heat in this flight, so it didn’t detract from the enjoy.
Cathay Pacific 777 Aria Suite overhead console
Cathay Pacific’s Aria Suite trade elegance is evolutionary relatively than innovative, within the sense that the airline is the use of an current seating platform, and is simply customizing it. Nonetheless, I’m an enormous fan of what Cathay Pacific has carried out, because the airline went all-out in the case of tech, aesthetics, and capability.
Cathay Pacific trade elegance facilities
There’s no scarcity of facilities when flying Cathay Pacific trade elegance.
For one, the airline gives bedding from Bamford, which I’d believe to be one of the best trade elegance bedding introduced via any airline. The bedding features a plush pillow, one of the considerable duvets you’ll to find on any airline, and a bed pad.
Cathay Pacific trade elegance bedding
Headphones have been additionally ready at seats upon boarding. They have been simply ok, however that doesn’t subject a lot to me, for the reason that airline has bluetooth audio, so I may use my very own.
Cathay Pacific trade elegance headphones
There have been additionally slippers positioned at every seat, and so they have been a few of the extra considerable ones I’ve noticed in trade elegance.
Cathay Pacific trade elegance slippers
Subsequent up, the menu and drink record have been displayed at every seat. There’s even just a little menu card for breakfast, which you’ll be able to give to the team, in order that your order may also be positioned prematurely, and you’ll be able to state whether or not or no longer you wish to have to be woken up for breakfast.
Cathay Pacific trade elegance menu & drink record
Right through boarding, the team handed out Bamford amenity kits, with the choice to select from 4 colours, all with equivalent contents.
Cathay Pacific trade elegance amenity kits
The equipment contained a dental equipment, mouthwash, eyeshades, ear plugs, and a few Bamford merchandise, like pillow mist, a balm, and cooling frame gel.
Cathay Pacific trade elegance amenity equipment
Right through boarding, the team served pre-departure beverages, with the number of water, champagne, or orange juice. I selected champagne, and lately the airline is serving Laurent-Perrier Brut, which is gorgeous.
Cathay Pacific trade elegance dinner — champagne
Right through boarding, the team additionally allotted heat towels.
Cathay Pacific trade elegance heat towels
Cathay Pacific 777 Aria Suite trade elegance leisure & Wi-Fi
Cathay Pacific’s new Aria Suite leisure device is stellar. For one, the 24″ display screen is so prime definition. Given the shut distance between the seat and the display screen, it nearly feels too large, if anything else.
Cathay Pacific 777 Aria Suite trade elegance leisure
Cathay Pacific 777 Aria Suite trade elegance leisure
Cathay Pacific’s new inflight leisure interface is one of the very best I’ve noticed, with some cool tech. For one, the device has bluetooth audio, so you’ll be able to benefit from the programming with your personal headphones or earbuds.
Cathay Pacific 777 Aria Suite trade elegance leisure
There’s additionally some tech we haven’t noticed prior to, like a display screen that may display you which of them toilets are lately occupied, in addition to a “don’t disturb” mode.
Cathay Pacific 777 Aria Suite trade elegance leisure
Cathay Pacific 777 Aria Suite trade elegance leisure
There’s additionally all kinds of flicks, TV presentations, audio, video games, and extra. The airline has probably the most higher leisure choices available in the market, so you shouldn’t have any problems staying entertained for all the flight, regardless of how lengthy it’s.
Cathay Pacific 777 Aria Suite trade elegance leisure
Cathay Pacific 777 Aria Suite trade elegance leisure
Cathay Pacific’s new flight map interface could also be amongst my favourite I’ve noticed, with unending chances to customise perspectives.
Cathay Pacific 777 Aria Suite trade elegance leisure
Cathay Pacific has a digital camera characteristic at the 777. In contrast to at the A350, it’s no longer a tail digital camera, regardless that a nostril digital camera remains to be higher than not anything.
Cathay Pacific 777 Aria Suite trade elegance leisure
Cathay Pacific has Wi-Fi on its 777s. Ordinarily, the fee could be $9.95 for a one hour cross, or $19.95 for a complete flight cross, all with out a knowledge caps.
Cathay Pacific 777 Wi-Fi pricing
On the other hand, Wi-Fi is loose for first and trade elegance passengers, plus for Cathay Diamond individuals, and may also be accessed simply by coming into your remaining identify and seat quantity.
Cathay Pacific 777 loose trade elegance Wi-Fi
I discovered the speeds to be excellent, and that helped with staying productive for one of the flight.
Cathay Pacific 777 loose trade elegance Wi-Fi
Cathay Pacific knocked it out of the park with tech on its Aria Suite 777s, so kudos…
Cathay Pacific 777 departure from London
In spite of a complete flight, the boarding procedure used to be environment friendly. I really like Cathay Pacific’s boarding song, and loved taking note of that all through the boarding procedure.
Boarding wrapped up inside of 20 mins of when it began, forward of time table. At 5:40PM, the captain used to be at the PA so as to add his welcome aboard, informing us of our flight time of 11hr50min, and expected easy flight. Moments later, the cabin carrier supervisor, Paul, added his welcome aboard.
At 5:45PM we started our pushback, at which level the protection video used to be screened. Then at 5:50PM we started our taxi, and inside of quarter-hour, we have been cleared for takeoff on runway 27L. We had a easy climb out, and the seatbelt signal used to be became off 10 mins after takeoff.
Cathay Pacific trade elegance dinner carrier
After takeoff, it used to be supper time, Cathay Pacific taste! You’ll be able to to find the trade elegance dinner menu beneath.
Cathay Pacific trade elegance dinner menu
You’ll be able to to find the Cathay Pacific trade elegance drink record and wine menu beneath, together with the particular featured wines from China.
Cathay Pacific trade elegance drink record
Cathay Pacific trade elegance drink record
Cathay Pacific trade elegance drink record
Meal orders have been taken at the floor, after which round 45 mins after takeoff, the primary spherical of beverages used to be served. I made up our minds to reserve a negroni, which used to be served with a salmon amuse bouche, plus some blended nuts.
Cathay Pacific trade elegance dinner — drink & canapés
Dinner used to be coursed out at a leisurely tempo, with the starter being served round 80 mins after takeoff. The tempo didn’t hassle me, since this used to be a moderately lengthy flight, so there used to be a lot of time to each experience a meal and get leisure.
There have been two alternatives for the starter, and I selected the poached prawns with spiced horseradish and tomato sauce, with child gem, sieved egg, and avocado. This used to be a lot more attention-grabbing than I used to be anticipating, and had a kick to it. I additionally had some garlic bread to head together with it. To drink, I had a tumbler of champagne, plus some glowing water.
Cathay Pacific trade elegance dinner — appetizer
The primary path used to be served as quickly because the starter used to be cleared. There have been 5 alternatives that introduced selection for various style buds, and I opted for the roasted cauliflower with chickpea stew and mint raita. It used to be scrumptious, and fantastically introduced.
Cathay Pacific trade elegance dinner — primary path
To accompany the principle path, I couldn’t assist however check out the featured Chinese language wine, since I don’t assume I’ve ever had wine from China prior to. In this flight, the featured choice used to be the Cabernet Franc from Ningxia. It wasn’t my favourite wine I’ve ever attempted, however it had a novel style.
Cathay Pacific trade elegance dinner — Chinese language wine
There used to be a little bit of an opening with the carrier after the principle path. That’s as a result of whilst all of the dishes up till this level have been introduced out with trays, dessert used to be served from a trolley, so that they waited till everybody used to be completed.
There have been numerous choices, from fruit, to cheese, to ice cream, to goodies. I decided on the golf green tea tiramisu, plus the cheese plate, which contained brie, cheddar, and roquefort.
Cathay Pacific trade elegance dinner — cheese & dessert
On the conclusion of the meal, the team came over with a field of sweets, which passengers may assist themselves to. That’s a pleasant contact, which is extra not unusual in top quality than trade elegance.
Cathay Pacific trade elegance dinner — chocolate
All-in-all, I believed the meal used to be superb. I preferred the way it used to be other than your conventional airline meal, and wasn’t what I used to be anticipating. The salad used to be strangely highly spiced, whilst I favored having a novel vegetarian choice, past simply random pasta.
Cathay Pacific 777 trade elegance toilets
After the meal, I looked at the toilet scenario. Cathay Pacific’s Aria Suite 777 trade elegance has a complete of 3 toilets — there are two toilets on the very entrance of the cabin, plus one on the middle galley.
I want the aircraft had another loo within the middle of the cabin, since one loo there in reality isn’t sufficient. It’s additionally no longer superb to queue for a space with only one loo, because you by no means know in the event you’ll be looking forward to 30 seconds, or quarter-hour.
The toilets as such are great, and specifically, the middle loo is spacious.
Cathay Pacific 777 trade elegance loo
Cathay Pacific 777 trade elegance loo
There also are Bamford merchandise within the loo, together with hand cleaning soap and frame lotion.
Cathay Pacific trade elegance loo facilities
Cathay Pacific 777 Aria Suite trade elegance mattress
After the meal, it used to be time to get some sleep. I used to be zonked, after taking a redeye the night time prior to as smartly, and used to be taking a look ahead to giving the mattress a check out. So I reclined my seat and made my mattress.
Cathay Pacific 777 Aria Suite trade elegance mattress
Cathay Pacific 777 Aria Suite trade elegance mattress
Cathay Pacific 777 Aria Suite trade elegance mattress
So, how is Cathay Pacific’s new Aria Suite mattress convenience? The Parts seat is a pleasant evolution of earlier opposite herringbone seats, in relation to seat convenience. Specifically, the slumbering floor feels a lot wider when the seat is reclined. As an aspect sleeper, for me the check of seat convenience all the time comes down as to whether my knees hit the facet of the seat after I bend them whilst slumbering.
Relating to the Aria Suite mattress, it completely handed the check. Now, there’s one space the place I wasn’t overly inspired, and that’s with the footwell. I’ve heard some lawsuits about the way it’s strangely tight. Whilst I didn’t to find it to be overly tight (and it’s one thing I’m delicate to, since I’ve lovely large ft), I additionally wouldn’t say it used to be specifically spacious.
Cathay Pacific 777 Aria Suite trade elegance seat ottoman
Nonetheless, all-in-all, I discovered the mattress to be very comfy. I fell asleep with kind of 8.5 hours last, as we have been over the Black Sea…
Cathay Pacific 777 Aria Suite trade elegance map
…and I aroused from sleep with round 2hr40m last to Hong Kong, as we have been smartly into our adventure throughout China.
Cathay Pacific 777 Aria Suite trade elegance map
Cathay Pacific 777 Aria Suite trade elegance map
I’m a terrible aircraft sleeper, so the truth that I were given kind of six hours of sleep is a testomony to how comfy the mattress is.
Cathay Pacific trade elegance snack & breakfast
Since I slept for round six hours, I didn’t have any form of mid flight snack, however you’ll be able to to find the all-day eating menu beneath.
Cathay Pacific trade elegance snack menu
On most sensible of that, there used to be a snack basket within the galley, which visitors may assist themselves to.
Cathay Pacific trade elegance snack basket
As a substitute, I waited till the breakfast carrier, which began slightly below two hours prior to arrival. You’ll be able to to find the breakfast menu beneath.
Cathay Pacific trade elegance breakfast menu
To begin, I ordered a Cathay Pleasure, the service’s signature non-alcoholic drink, with kiwi fruit juice, coconut milk, and contemporary mint. If you happen to haven’t had it, it’s completely price ordering. Yum.
Cathay Pacific trade elegance Cathay Pleasure
I additionally ordered a cappuccino for my caffeine hit.
Cathay Pacific trade elegance cappuccino
Cathay Pacific has an excellent choice of breakfast choices, as there are 4 other menu pieces, along with an categorical breakfast. To start with, I used to be served the “lighter breakfast” choice, which consisted of a two times baked soufflé omelet, sautéed kale, and cherry tomatoes. On the other hand, that wasn’t what I if truth be told ordered, because it used to be a false impression, however I nonetheless snapped an image prior to this used to be corrected.
I really like to peer an airline serving an omelet that isn’t full of cheese and a number of meat, so kudos to Cathay Pacific for serving this.
Cathay Pacific trade elegance breakfast
As a substitute, I had meant to reserve the “wellness breakfast,” which consisted of cacao chia seed pudding with coconut yogurt and blackberries. This used to be served with an aspect of clean fruit, plus a pastry and croissant.
I really like the theory of what Cathay Pacific goes for with this cacao chia seed pudding, however I do assume this actual recipe wishes some revising. It used to be utterly tasteless, and I’m no longer certain the place the coconut yogurt used to be. If this may well be carried out accurately, it could be one in all my favourite aircraft breakfast choices I’ve noticed.
Cathay Pacific trade elegance breakfast
Cathay Pacific trade elegance carrier
The team in this Cathay Pacific couldn’t had been higher. They have been a mixture of Hong Kong and London founded, and that made for a amusing dynamic. London-based Gary used to be assigned to my segment, and he used to be superior.
He used to be simply if truth be told any such great and amusing individual, and in addition extremely skilled. The similar used to be true for the remainder of the team, as each team member I interacted with used to be pleasant. The cabin carrier supervisor Paul used to be additionally skilled, and regularly checked on passengers.
Prior to now, I’ve now and again discovered carrier on Cathay Pacific to be meeting line-esque, and no longer very personalised. I didn’t to find that to be the case right here, regardless that in equity, it have been round 5 years since I took an extended haul flight at the airline. I’m no longer certain if the carrier process has modified, or if I simply lucked out with a really perfect team.
Cathay Pacific 777 arrival in Hong Kong
At 1:20PM Hong Kong time, the captain used to be at the PA to advise that we’d in a while be beginning our descent, and could be touchdown in round half-hour, smartly forward of time table. At this level the team began to organize the cabin for touchdown.
Cathay Pacific 777 Aria Suite trade elegance map
I had a child-like pleasure touchdown in Hong Kong, because it has traditionally been one in all my favourite towns, and I hadn’t correctly visited since prior to the pandemic. I used to be taking a look ahead to a few days at the floor.
Cathay Pacific 777 drawing near Hong Kong
At 1:50PM, we had a stunningly easy landing on runway 7L. As is not unusual in Hong Kong, from there it used to be an excessively drawn out taxi to our arrival gate. You nearly really feel such as you’re touchdown in Guangzhou and taxiing to Hong Kong.
Cathay Pacific 777 taxiing Hong Kong
Cathay Pacific 777 taxiing Hong Kong
Our taxi ended up taking a complete 25 mins, and we arrived on the gate at 2:15PM, nonetheless 20 mins forward of time table. I bid farewell to the team, headed to immigration (the place there used to be a kind of 20 minute queue), and used to be then on my method to the St. Regis Hong Kong, which might be my house for 2 nights.
Base line
Cathay Pacific has taken its lengthy haul trade elegance enjoy to the following degree, with the advent of the Aria Suite product. This seat is in response to the Collins Aerospace Parts platform, which is the most productive opposite herringbone seat there may be. On most sensible of that, Cathay Pacific has effectively custom designed this, with remarkable tech, and a sublime design.
With the brand new Aria Suite arduous product, I feel Cathay Pacific gives one of the best trade elegance reviews on the planet, particularly whilst you issue within the nice bedding, intensive leisure, loose Wi-Fi, pleasant carrier, and engaging food and drink.
I’m glad to peer Cathay Pacific evolving its passenger enjoy, and will’t wait to fly the Aria Suite once more!
What’s your tackle Cathay Pacific’s Aria Suite trade elegance?
