Cathay’s ‘Aria Suite’ won at TheDesignAir’s awards last year for best new Business Class, so it was a delight to be able to finally experience the product on one of the very first long-haul flights operated by the new cabin, where hard product and long-haul soft product could shine through. While not revolutionary on the surface, the small details on the seat make a big difference to the passenger experience. While currently available on London and soon to be Sydney – the seat looks like it’s breathing a new life into Cathay.
On the Ground
Our journey to Hong Kong commenced at London Heathrow’s Terminal 3, where Cathay Pacific operates five daily flights between the two cities. Departing just a day after Chinese New Year and a week following the launch of the award-winning Aria Suite on its first long-haul route, the terminal was surprisingly tranquil, making check-in a seamless experience.
Business Class passengers benefit from fast-track security, which lived up to its name. Once airside, we proceeded to the Cathay Pacific Lounge, where our oneworld emerald status granted us access to the exclusive First Class lounge. The design, featuring warm residential interiors, felt like a sanctuary away from the bustling terminal.
The lounge boasted a self-service bar with three types of champagne, uninterrupted views of the apron, and an à la carte restaurant offering a selection of Western and Asian dishes. After indulging in a glass of bubbly and some dim sum, we explored the shower facilities, which featured warm slate interiors and Bamford amenities, before taking a quick tour of the Business Class lounge with its relaxed seating and buzzy bar. This is where you’d normally spend your time, and it’s the best oneworld lounge in Heathrow by a mile.
The Cabin
A buggy whisked us to the gate, where we boarded via the dedicated Business Class lane. Stepping onto the B777-300ER, we were greeted by Cathay’s new Aria Suite, which exudes understated luxury with soft, biophilic-inspired curves and tactile finishes. My seat, 21K, was a window seat in the second Business Class cabin, offering privacy and ample space.
Overall, the new cabins are breathtaking. There’s a huge amount of detail that’s gone into upgrading Cathay’s 777 into something a lot more residential. The fabric bulkheads are gorgeous, and the use of soft muted moss greens within the cabin make the cabin feel incredibly calming. The toilets in comparison are light, airy and contemporary in finish, with touch free flush and hand washing. The toilets are stocked with Bamford amenities.
The Seat
The Aria Suite is a masterclass in thoughtful design and passenger comfort. Each suite features a sleek wrap-around seat design, complemented by a suite door and sliding partition, ensuring unparalleled privacy and elevated comfort. The cabin’s aesthetics are enhanced by evocative artworks inspired by nature, created by artists with deep connections to Hong Kong.
The suite’s design incorporates customisable lighting, allowing passengers to adjust the ambiance to their preference. Storage solutions within the suite are both functional and discreet, with multiple compartments thoughtfully integrated into the design. The tactile materials and finishes used throughout the suite contribute to a sense of warmth and relaxation, embodying Cathay Pacific’s commitment to a human-centric design approach.
There are quite a few elements that we love in the seat, from the sliding side table which reveals a hidden storage unit, to the soft tactile finishes throughout the seat which helps enhance sound cancelling as well as providing a tactile environment. I also like the seat fabric, and the fact when it reclines into a bed there isn’t a single seam in sight.
The entertainment
Now this is where Cathay’s seat really surprised me. And it’s nothing really that surprising, but the UX / UI of Cathay’s entertainment system is truly out of this world. Why? Well simply because it’s so intuitive even my mother could use it straight out of the gate. The airline’s entertainment comes to life on a 24-inch 4K screen with Bluetooth pairing and the listing are presented like a Netflix streaming service.
The new system has an incredible high definition outside camera as well which can be used in new ways which give a whole new meaning to the world inflight entertainment. But the best two elements to the technology in the seat are the toilet indicator which shows your seat and where any available toilet is, and the seat control panel which on tapping shows how long left on the flight without bringing that massive 24 inch screen to life.
The Food and Drink
Shortly after takeoff, I enjoyed a glass of Cathay Delight and an amuse-bouche. The menu offered an impressive selection of dishes, with the option to pre-order meals up to 24 hours in advance. My starter of salmon and avocado was fresh and flavourful, followed by a main course that was nothing short of Michelin-star quality and simply out of this world. The dessert trolley, featuring an array of sweet treats, was a delightful indulgence.
Four hours before landing, I enjoyed a midnight snack of a gourmet burger and hand-cut fries. Breakfast was another hearty affair, perfectly timed as we descended over the South China Sea.
The attentive and genuine crew ensured a seamless experience. Before settling in for sleep, I explored the front galley’s artwork and grabbed a few snacks. On waking up there were five types of breakfast available including healthy options. The way the breakfasts are presented and created are a really nice touch which reinforces Cathay’s approach to wellbeing.
The Extras
Another highlight is the suite’s enhanced bedding experience, featuring a plush mattress topper, high-quality duvet, and soft pillows, ensuring maximum comfort during long-haul flights. Sadly there aren’t any pyjamas available but the Bamford amenity kits are a nice addition, filled with a handful of decent amenities.
The airline still has a good magazine on board and the headphones, while good, could be a little better.
In conclusion
Cathay’s new Aria Suite truly delivered on comfort, design, and innovation. From the residential-inspired cabin aesthetics to the world-class dining and cutting-edge technology, this flight reaffirmed Cathay’s position as a leader in premium travel. With a focus on passenger wellbeing and seamless luxury, this experience sets a new standard for Business Class travel. Stay tuned for more reviews from TheDesignAir.
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