Cathay Pacific is enhancing its premium cabin offerings with the introduction of new cabins on its Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. The airline launched its first retrofitted aircraft in October 2024 and plans to update the rest of the fleet. The new layout eliminates first class but introduces updated business and premium economy products, along with a refreshed economy class. A significant addition is the Aria Suite for business class, designed to offer more privacy.
The refit is part of Cathay Pacific’s HK$100 billion investment in its fleet and airport lounges over several years. Vivian Lo, General Manager Customer Experience & Design at Cathay Pacific, stated: “The overhaul is part of a larger plan to remain at the forefront of design and innovation. Our ambition is to be one of the best premium airlines.”
The first retrofitted Boeing 777-300ER flew between Hong Kong and Beijing on October 18th, 2024, and has since been introduced on other routes including long-haul flights to London. In early 2025, it will operate daily flights to London Heathrow.
The retrofit includes three cabin classes: business class with 45 Aria Suites arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration, premium economy with 48 seats arranged in a 2-4-2 configuration, and economy with 268 seats arranged in a 3-4-3 configuration.
Vivian Lo emphasized the focus on passenger experience: “When we started putting together a new cabin experience for our newly retrofitted 777s… this suite is designed fully with our customers in mind.”
Elliott Koehler from JPA Design described the Aria Suite as “one of the most comfortable Business seats out there,” highlighting features like privacy doors and lie-flat beds.
The premium economy cabin offers improved comfort and technology enhancements. Vivian Lo explained that their goal was “to design Premium Economy as a cabin that thrives on its own merits.”
Economy class sees updates inspired by Cathay’s Airbus A350 fleet, such as extra overhead baggage space and flexible headrests.
While first class has been removed from these aircraft, Cathay Pacific continues to offer it on other routes until all retrofits are complete. First class remains available on select routes including Tokyo Haneda and New York JFK.
