Cathay Pacific has unveiled its new flagship business class Aria Suites along with its latest premium economy and economy cabins, set to be rolled out to its Boeing 777 fleet later in 2024.
Currently, the airline only flies its Airbus A350-1000 to Aotearoa with six flights per week between Auckland and its Hong Kong base. Its seasonal summer flights to Christchurch recently ended in late February.
But Kiwis travelling further afield than Hong Kong could well be able to experience Cathay Pacific's just-revealed cabins, which a promotional video promises are "taking flight this year".
Exactly when that is has not been announced, with a Cathay Pacific spokesperson telling Newshub: "We're flattered by the interest and excited for people to experience Aria but right now they'll just have to wait. More details will soon be revealed."
The new business class Aria Suites feature upgraded 24-inch 4K monitors, Bluetooth audio, wireless charging, personalised suite lighting, more storage space and a sliding privacy door on the aisle, as well as a sliding privacy divider between middle seats.
Cathay Pacific is also teasing a 'gallery in the skies', set to feature 30 pieces of "curated" art created by artists "who share a deep connection with Hong Kong". These will be displayed in business class cabins.
The airline has also recently announced a new 'Hong Kong Flavours' menu, created in partnership with acclaimed restaurant Duddell's, for business class customers on long-haul flights.
The new premium economy cabin's seats each get a 15.6-inch 4K monitor, headrests that afford more privacy from your neighbour and "generous" recline and legroom, although actual measurements were not disclosed.
Meanwhile, the 'refreshed' economy cabin features a "comfort first approach with contemporary materials", Bluetooth audio streaming and the option of syncing your inflight entertainment to another passenger's so you can watch movies together.
"Each aspect of these cabin classes has been carefully considered to bring travellers maximum comfort through their journey," the airline said.
"Materials have been hand-selected to ensure a sense of calm and designed for intuitive use, showcasing Cathay Pacific's continued commitment to offering the best premium long-haul experience in the skies."
In 2023, Cathay Pacific was ranked eighth best airline in the world by Skytrax and ninth best by AirlineRatings.com.
Cathay Pacific's launch of the new cabins is set to happen in the same year as Air New Zealand launches its upgraded cabin offerings, including the award-winning Skynest pods in economy and business premier luxe.
