Cathay Pacific’s New Business Class Seats Will Make You Want to Splurge on Your Next Flight

A vast majority of airline travelers globally fly coach (or economy), but, interestingly, most airlines earn much more from their premium seats. According to Investopedia, business travelers make up only about 12 percent of airline passengers, but because they pay higher rates than regular customers, they are typically twice as lucrative, and, in some cases, account for as much as 75 percent of an airline’s profits.

In fact, a CNBC report said that business-class seats’ share of seats sold has grown from 12.9 percent in 2018 (before the pandemic) to 13.5 percent in 2023. Premium economy’s share, meanwhile, has increased even more, making up 6.4 percent of seats sold, up from 4.2 percent five years ago.

Cathay Pacific calls its new business class cabin Aria Suites

This is the reason more and more airlines are investing in their premium seats, particularly business class, offering much more elevated levels of comfort and service. This includes Cathay Pacific, which recently unveiled its brand-new business class seats, which it is calling Aria Suites. The airline initially retrofitted one of its 777-300ER planes with the brand-new interior, anchored by the luxurious new business class cabin, for its maiden voyage from Hong Kong to Beijing. It will then be rolled out to other regional and long-haul routes over the next few weeks and months.

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According to Cathay Group Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Lavinia Lau, the conception, design, and development of the new interior took at least 36 months, stretching all the way before the pandemic. The overhaul is part of a planned $100 billion investment over the next seven years to use technology to improve the fleet, cabin products, lounges, and digital and sustainability efforts to ultimately improve customer experience. 

“At Cathay, we believe in moving people forward in life,” Lau said. “This purpose goes beyond simply flying customers to their destinations; we are deeply woven into Hong Kong's identity as a global aviation hub.”

The new business class seats offer one-touch selection for different lighting modes

The new business class cabin features premium materials and a sliding door in each seat for added privacy. There’s a 24-inch 4K personal screen, and a digital touch screen remote control for most of the functions, including lights, seat recline, and service. Even the seat recline has different automatic modes—Movie, Work, Relax, Dine, and Sleep—so passengers don’t have to guess. There’s also accessible wireless charging, and a display that shows you the status of the lavatory (so you don’t need to lean over and even stand up to check if it’s free).

Lau said that at least one of its Boeing 777-300ER’s will be retrofitted with the new interior every month, which means at least three of its fleet will have the Aria Suites by the end of the year. The new business class seats will initially be available on flights to cities like Shanghai, Taipei, Tokyo, and Singapore, and eventually to other long-haul destinations. 

Even the Premium Economy cabin has also been redesigned, with a relaxing color scheme, more legroom, a supported headrest, and a 15.6-inch TV screen. There’s also a serving of prosecco for guests.

Cathay Pacific will roll out its new business class cabins to its fleet over the next few months and years

And it doesn’t stop there. Cathay Pacific executives said new seat products will be rolled out over the next three years. After the launch of the all-new Business and Premium Economy cabins, which also includes a refreshed Economy cabin, the airline will unveil a brand-new First Class experience onboard its 777-9s, as well as new flat-bed Business class product on the airline’s Airbus A330s.

“Through our investments in cutting-edge aircraft, innovative technology and groundbreaking facilities, we are dedicated to moving beyond expectations—in the air, on the ground, and in every experience we create,” Lau said.