Business Class review: Cathay Pacific

From intuitive seat controls to Bamford skincare, this Cathay Pacific business class flight from Sydney to Hong Kong delivers comfort, convenience and style

The cabin

While Cathay Pacific launched its impressive all-new Business Class Aria Suites on the very same day I am due to depart Sydney, it was not Australia’s turn to experience this luxe new offering… just yet. In a lucky twist, though, the Boeing 777-300ER usually used on the Sydney-Hong Kong route has been swapped out for the slicker Airbus A350, on which Cathay Pacific launched its new Business Class in 2019. This means a fresher, more modern-looking and comfortable experience in the 46-seat cabin, laid out in a 1x2x1 reverse herringbone configuration.

The seat

At only four years old, my pod in the centre of the final row feels new-ish, unlike some of the other well-worn business class cabins in the skies. The seat itself – designed by Studio F.A. Porsche – has direct aisle access, but doesn’t feel as private as I had expected, with a lower seat divider that means I can see rather a lot of my neighbour while we are both sitting upright. The space, though, is ample. When converted into a flatbed, it measures 190cm long and 51cm in width, giving me plenty of room to stretch out. Although the firm seat would benefit from a plush topper to alleviate aching hips on overnight flights, the accompanying linen-like bedding feels high-end and suitably cosy. The space offers multiple convenient stowaway compartments that easily allow for my carry-on items, including a water bottle cavity under the armrest, a netted pocket inside the cabinet door for technology and precious items, and an under-ottoman compartment for shoes and bags.

Beverages

The wine list on board is a mix of French, Australian and New Zealand varietals, with a Portuguese dessert wine thrown in for good measure. The champagne on offer is Drappier Carte d’Or Brut, a delicious bubbles with aromas of golden stone fruit, honeycomb and pastry. Meanwhile, Cathay Pacific’s signature cocktails include the Cloud Nine (vodka, Cointreau, Sprite and lemon juice) and the non-alcoholic Cathay Delight, featuring Kiwi juice, coconut milk and fresh mint. There is an international selection of craft beer available, including Cathay Pacific’s own Betsy pale ale, coffee by illy and a selection of teas by JING.

Food

Cathay Pacific gives business class passengers the choice of pre-selecting their preferred in-flight meals from 10 days up to 24 hours before departure, which is a nice touch for those who fly regularly. For those who like the element of surprise, you’re guaranteed to find something that your palette appreciates from the onboard menu, such as a starter of creamed-corn soup or Indian tandoori prawns with onion-cucumber-tomato salad; and a main of duck confit, orange and pecan in date jus with broccolini and potato puree. Or, perhaps, stir-fried seafood with XO sauce served with pak choy and steamed jasmine rice, accompanied by watercress and chicken soup. I don’t have any room left after my duck, but if you’re up to the challenge, there’s apple crumble or flourless chocolate cake on the cards for dessert. Delicious.

Amenities

In an era where it seems every airline has a luxury beauty brand partnership in place for its business class cabins, it’s saying something that I am impressed with Cathay Pacific’s offering. The skincare products are from British beauty brand Bamford, and the lovely leather zip-up amenities pouch includes a trio of holy grail travel products – lip balm, hand cream and hydrating face mist – along with the usual suspects: toothbrush and toothpaste, ear plugs and mouthwash. It’s a good thing I wasn’t expecting pyjamas (there aren’t any) but I do appreciate the slippers – handy when popping to the bathroom in between binge-watching episodes of The Regime.

Entertainment and technology

I love the convenience of the ‘do not disturb’ button in the entertainment system, which alerts the Cathay Pacific staff to leave you be if you’re not interested in meal service. The single-touch seat control, too, is intuitive and seamless, while the 18.5” TV and 4.3” handset look and feel up-to-the-minute and are a big improvement on the older style offered on the fleet’s 777-300ER aircrafts (gradually being upgraded to the Aria Suites).

The lounge

Because one first class lounge just won’t do, Cathay Pacific has two impressive offerings at Hong Kong International Airport, open to those holding a first class ticket on Cathay Pacific or other oneworld member airlines departing from Hong Kong, and oneworld Emerald Members.

The Wing, conveniently located immediately to your left after passing through immigration, is best known for its ‘cabanas’ – private shower suites equipped with a bathtub, shower, daybed and workspace. While it’s a shame the designers didn’t actually give the tub design a test-run – it’s so unbelievably long you can’t actually sit up in it – it’s certainly a step-up from the usual shower pods on offer in most lounges. I love the champagne bar at The Wing, with its menu of Moët Rosé, Veuve Clicquot and Baron de Rothschild, which makes me wish I was travelling with company.

An even more luxurious experience awaits at The Pier. Located near Gate 63, this outstanding lounge is located one level down from the main concourse, and is well worth the stroll from immigration for the peaceful atmosphere, luxurious design (rich timbers and veined marble) and exclusive amenities on offer upon your arrival – including spa services and private day suites. Hot tip: put your name down at the spa immediately upon arrival – there is usually a long wait, so you’ll also need a decent layover – and then relish the moment your buzzer vibrates, alerting you to your turn to a 15-minute complimentary shoulder, head or foot massage. It’s the reset I need for another long flight ahead.

At the full-service, a la carte restaurant (also available at The Wing), the menu is nothing short of sensational, featuring a tight but satisfying selection of Asian and Western dishes. My wonton noodles with handcrafted pork and prawn dumplings is an umami explosion, and it’s only a shame I don’t have the appetite to try the wagyu cheese burger or scallop risotto – both of which look as appetising as the restaurant’s design is inviting.

cathaypacific.com