Cathay Pacific unveils Aria suite
Cathay Pacific has unveiled its all-new business class Aria suite, debuted onboard the airline’s retrofitted 777-300ER on route from Hong Kong to Beijing.
Augmenting refreshed economy and premium economy options also installed aboard the aircraft, the Aria suite is described by Cathay Pacific as “highly anticipated,” with artistry and craftsmanship combining to “create a holistic and immersive experience where comfort, privacy and a sense of personal space are completely reimagined for customers”.
The angled 50cm wide Aria suite includes a 24-inch 4K widescreen TV with Bluetooth audio connectivity, lie-flat beds, customisable lighting, wireless charging stations and privacy door. An optionally retractable divide between each pair of seats also allows couples or friends to converse, explained Executive Traveller, who described the feature as something lacking from Cathay’s previous business product.
45 Aria suites will be configured in a 1-2-1 layout aboard the 777-300ER, joining 48 premium economy and 268 economy seats. Longstanding partners JPA Design deigned the new cabin, with creative director Elliott Koehler having previously explained that it was “all about creating the most human-centric environment”. He added that “the harmonious palette of nature-inspired materials, combined with smart lighting design, makes for a warm, welcoming environment”.
The upgrade is part of the carrier’s three-year seat retrofit, commencing on the 777-300ER, and which will be subsequently extended to “a new world-leading first class experience” on Cathay’s 777-9s and a brand-new flat-bed business class product on its A330s.
“To solidify our role in both the industry and the community, we’ve committed a significant investment of over H$100 billion over the next seven years into our fleet, cabin products, lounges, and digital and sustainability leadership,” explained Cathay Group chief customer and commercial officer Lavinia Lau.
