Cathay Pacific

Cathay Pacific is Hong Kong's flagship carrier and one of Asia's most respected airlines, though the past few years have been a rollercoaster. The airline was hit harder than most by COVID (Hong Kong's strict border policies lasted longer than almost anywhere), losing experienced crew and burning through cash. But the recovery has been genuine. Cathay is rebuilding its network, rehiring aggressively, and the new Aria Suite business class product is a statement that the airline isn't just surviving -- it's investing in the future. The Hong Kong hub at Chek Lap Kok remains one of Asia's most efficient connecting airports.

The route network spans 80+ destinations, with particular strength on routes between Asia, Australia, Europe, and North America. The 777-300ER has been the workhorse for years, and the A350-900/1000 fleet is growing. Marco Polo Club (the frequent flyer programme) merged with Asia Miles into Cathay membership in 2023, simplifying the loyalty structure. The lounges -- particularly The Pier and The Wing at Hong Kong -- are consistently rated among the world's best business class lounges, with noodle bars, cocktail bars, and shower suites.

The Aria Suite is Cathay's new business class, debuting on the A350-1000 and rolling out across the 777-9 when those finally deliver. It's a 1-2-1 staggered layout where every seat has direct aisle access and a closing door. The suite measures 45 inches wide at shoulder height (wider than most competitors), converts to a 79-inch flat bed, and has a 24-inch 4K screen. The solo window suites ("Aria Solo") are the premium positions -- extra wide with storage on both sides. The centre pairs can lower the divider for couples to create a shared space.

The 777-300ER fleet (about 55 aircraft) is gradually being retrofitted with the Aria Suite, replacing the older reverse herringbone business class. Before the retrofit, these aircraft have the Collins Aerospace Super Diamond seat in a 1-2-1 layout -- still a solid product with direct aisle access and 82-inch bed length. The A350-900 fleet (about 30 aircraft) flies medium and long-haul routes to Europe, Australia, and North America. Regionally, the A321neo handles short-haul routes to destinations like Tokyo, Seoul, Bangkok, and Manila with 202 seats in a two-class layout. The A330-300 (about 30 aircraft) fills the gap on medium-haul routes with an older business class product.

The Aria Suite on the A350-1000 is genuinely impressive. The closing door provides real privacy -- not a curtain or a half-wall, but a proper door that clicks shut. The 79-inch bed is wider than most competitors at 22 inches, with a Bamford mattress topper, duvet, and full-size pillow. The 24-inch screen is the largest in Cathay's fleet. Dining rotates seasonally with Hong Kong-inspired options alongside international choices -- expect roasted duck, congee, and dim sum alongside Western mains. The wine list is curated and includes Cathay's signature champagne.

The lounges are a huge part of the Cathay experience. The Pier First Class lounge has individual shower suites, a restaurant-quality dining room, and day suites for sleeping. The Wing business class lounge has the famous noodle bar (the dan dan noodles are legendary among frequent flyers). Premium Economy on the A350 gets 38 inches of pitch in a 2-4-2 layout with enhanced meals and amenity kits. Economy is 32 inches of pitch on the A350 -- slightly above average -- with complimentary meals, drinks, and seatback entertainment. Cathay crew have regained their form post-COVID; the service is professional, warm, and efficient.

On the Aria Suite A350-1000, the window "Aria Solo" suites are the top pick -- they're wider and more private than centre suites. Rows 12K and 12A are the forward window solos, closest to the door and furthest from the mid-galley. Centre pairs in rows 17-18 are good for couples travelling together (lower the divider). The rear business cabin (rows 20-22) is smaller and quieter than the forward cabin, making it better for sleeping on overnight flights to London or New York.

On the 777-300ER with the older reverse herringbone, window seats face the window (more private) while centre seats face each other (can be awkward with a stranger). Row 11 A/K are the first business rows and deplane fastest. On the A321neo regional flights, business class is rows 1-5 in a 2-2 recliner layout -- serviceable for 3-4 hour flights but not lie-flat. In economy on any Cathay widebody, exit rows offer 34-36 inches and are worth the upgrade fee on flights over 6 hours. Avoid the last three rows of economy on the 777 -- galley noise, slow deplaning, and reduced recline on the final row.