Cathay Pacific Unveils Its New Aria Suite Business Class in Hong Kong

Cathay Pacific Airways in Hong Kong is launching the next generation of business class, starting with the long-haul Boeing 777-300ER fleet.

The oneworld alliance founding carrier presents “Aria Suite” — curated to bring serenity and quiet luxury to both frequent flyers and leisure travelers in their own private hideaway in the sky.

The invitation

Business Traveler is honored to receive an invitation to witness the unveiling party in the hangar at Hong Kong International Airport.

The executive management team and industry leaders gathered with press and influencers to experience the newly minted business class as well as premium economy and economy products.

All party attendees first arrived in Cathay City, the headquarters of the airline, and then were shuttled to the hangar where a Boeing B777-300ER was parked.

A New Era

After many years of sporting Safran Cirrus seats on the long-haul wide body jets, Cathay Pacific is rolling out Aria Suite, which is improved lie-flat seats by Collins Aerospace with sliding doors and advanced functions.

A few of the Boeing aircraft have been retrofitted with Aria Suite and operating intra-Asian routes as crew familiarization flights.

The airline plans to retrofit 30 Boeing 777-300ER at the rate of one jet per month and publishes a website outlining the progress. Then the completed aircraft will operate long-haul routes to Europe in the first quarter of 2025.

Exhibits & Guests

The red carpet leading to the Boeing plane showcases a gallery of artwork onboard, and materials used on the seats. A booth of screens played digital art and highlighted the imaginative approach to the brand.

Rows of real reeds lined up the hangar, symbolizing airiness and wind. A stage was set up on the port side of the airplane where the new seats were under wraps.

The host introduced Ronald Lam, CEO of Cathay, along with other senior executives, and brought out a surprise star, Fala Chen, an internationally known actress and a frequent flier of Cathay Pacific. She shared her travel stories and how flying with her family on Cathay Pacific have never been easier and smoother.

Food & Drinks

The party was well catered as there were an open bar and an hors d’oeuvres station. Waiters walked throughout the hangar offering delicious bites.

The flavors reflected traditional Cantonese cuisine. Real dishes were plated on the tray tables of Aria Suite on the demonstration plane.

Design

Cathay Pacific collaborated with JPA Design on Aria Suite. The meaning of Aria is a solo performance, “a performance just for you,” said Edward Bell, General Manager of Brand, Insights and Marketing Communications.

The moniker is fitting for each beautifully made, wrap-around cocoon seat. “Human-centric design is behind everything we do,” declared Vivien Lo, General Manager of Customer Experience & Design.

A much larger 4K screen, a tray table that can hold mobile devices, a wireless charging port, customizable lighting, multiple storage spaces, a sturdy sliding door, lavatory occupancy indicators in the digital menu, soothing Bamford wellness products in freshly made amenity kits that come in four colors — all these mindful features come together in symphony to elevate the passenger journey.

Even the bulkheads and galleys have been redesigned and replaced by dark wooden panels and the galley cabinets have been updated with digital controls.

The cabin color scheme fully embraces the iconic teal in the Cathay Pacific logo while mixing various shades of green and gray. Walking through the aisles, the mood reminds guests of the glamor and high society in 1930’s Shanghai, fusing both Chinese heritage and Western influences.

What’s Next?

Mrs. Lo also revealed that a new concept of first class would arrive on Boeing 777X once delivered. When asked how Aria Suite would compare to intercontinental first class, she simply said: “First is first.”

In addition, a newly built lounge at JFK Terminal 6 will open sometime in 2026, providing direct boarding from the venue. However, it has not been decided if the New York lounge would include a first-class section.

Meanwhile, there is no plan to renovate the other two lounges in San Francisco and Vancouver. Come April 2025, Cathay Pacific will start the Hong Kong-Dallas route, connecting with the main hub of codeshare partner, American Airlines.

The investment and innovation will continue to unfold in the next few years by Cathay Pacific, increasing overall customer satisfaction and meeting the expectations, as the five-star airline strives to move beyond the standard.