Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared in Volume IV of B.H. Magazine. To get your copy (and access to future issues), subscribe here.
How about a quick introduction before take-off?
After a successful debut on select European routes, Cathay Pacific is phasing in its Aria Suite onboard Boeing 777-300ER aircraft ranging between Sydney and Hong Kong.
This box-fresh, next-gen Business Class will undoubtedly feel familiar to Oneworld frequent fliers, sporting the classic and consistent reverse herringbone config first introduced 14 years ago. Echoes of the past – albeit reimagined for the future – are everywhere, from the seat’s curvy wraparound exterior to intuitive out-of-sight storage. 777s retrofitted with Aria have foregone First Class completely, in favour of an expansive 45-suite offering, divided into two cabins.
Even this seating layout evokes key themes of evolution and continuity, helping passengers to centre themselves amid a bevvy of modern comforts such as LED illumination and wireless charging.
What’s the verdict on privacy & comfort?
Points geeks will be quick to point out how Aria is technically a riff on Collins Aerospace’s existing ‘Elements’ platform. That enthusiasm has a lot to do with the introduction of a privacy door – a feature BA and Etihad Airways have already put to good use.
The part you’ll interact with functions like a sliding partition, so that even when fully ‘closed’ Aria doors stop 1-2cm shy of the forward bulkhead. Rest assured, the effect this has on your (ample) personal space is negligible.
Fully reclined, each seat measures a head-to-footwell length of 78 inches – great news for especially lanky sleepers. Door shuttered and ‘Do Not Disturb’ mode on, your suite becomes a blissful place to while away flight time. The leather headrest gives way to upholstery that, even without the 400-threadcount duvet, is a joy to relax, work, and rest on – lined in breathable wool from German firm Rohi.
Beyond the suite, what (if anything) has changed?
Quite a bit, actually. As you board the aircraft, or round the Business Class cabins, you’ll notice a range of sleekly displayed paintings and illustrations – commissioned from local Hong Kong artists as part of Cathay’s ‘Gallery in the Skies’ initiative.
The airline’s signature amenity kit, made exclusively by Bamford, has also gotten a well-timed makeover. Along with a revamped selection of skincare essentials, expect dopp bags with a sleek new flapped design.
Let’s talk design: are there any standout details?
Like we said, Aria is more of an evolutive product than a revolutionary one. Its aesthetic is best described as a “room at The Upper House, but pint-sized,” and there’s wonderful interplay between all your seat’s various suede, Ultraleather, and marble-effect surfaces.
Cathay’s trademark jadeite green is recalibrated here with handsome nuance, so that the wraparound seatback (where the shade is at its most noticeable) evokes the sensation of expensive knitwear. As ever, smart storage is a recurring theme. There’s a cubby at foot-level for up to 4.5kg of belongings, along with a personal compartment that holds your water bottle and noise-cancelling earphones.
Cleverly, the biggest countertop surface conceals a sliding console, great for securing crucial small items like a passport or wallet. Analog apologists will probably mourn the absence of a buttoned seat control, but good riddance, I say. Especially since its replacement – a dynamic, leather-clad strip that’s easy to reach in any position – is so well-executed it won a Red Dot Design Award.
Seat control interface aside, what other tech stands out?
Aria’s new in-flight entertainment (IFE) system – hands-down. Built around a supersized 24-inch 4K display – so big I didn’t even realise it was fixed-position – this IFE is one finally worthy of Cathay’s famously extensive media library.
Any catalogue that includes both Casablanca and Industry gets a big tick in our book. The touchscreen is blisteringly fast, and connecting your own Bluetooth headset – a first on CX-liveried flights – is as simple as navigating once from the homepage.
There’s even an entire list of preset seat modes to choose from, utilising different positions and intelligent lighting to suit different activities. Kudos to Aria for introducing the ‘Lavatory Status Monitor’: a surprisingly nifty feature that tells you which Business Class bathrooms are in use at any given time.
Anything else I should know prior to booking?
Following London, Sydney is the second long-haul destination to nab the Aria Suite, cementing “the importance of the Australian market to Cathay Pacific.” At the time of writing, it is being “regularly deployed” on daytime CX162 services, with a decent amount of award availability (for Cathay members) through till September.
Come time to book, just ensure the aircraft you’ve selected is a 777-300ER. Otherwise, you’ll be travelling aboard one of the airline’s medium-body A350s, fitted with the venerable Cirrus offering.
If you’ve enjoyed this review on Cathay Pacific’s ‘Aria’ Business Class, consider a few more of our favourite stories – direct from the pages of B.H. Magazine:
