Our Review of the new Cathay Pacific Business Class

Since 31 March 2019, travellers can look forward to connections from Zurich to Hong Kong in a new Cathay Pacific Airbus A350-1000. After an interesting aircraft tour we had the opportunity to fly the new Cathay Pacific Business Class a few weeks later.

Our journey with the Cathay Pacific Business Class

There was a lot going on at Zurich Airport at this afternoon in May and fortunately I checked in early enough, since such a flight with the Cathay Pacific Business Class should be enjoyed.

As usual, my journey from Zurich via Hong Kong to Wuhan started totally relaxed and with a lot of anticipation. With a business class ticket, everything goes a bit faster and more comfortable: preferred check-in, faster security control and Aspire Lounge Access with food and drinks.

Chill at the Aspire Lounge at Gate E

A few metres from the departure gate E, the Aspire Lounge is located on the first floor and offers comfortable leather armchairs, wifi, food and drinks for the ideal well-being before departure.

A little insider tip: Economy passengers can also book a lounge admission for CHF 35.00 – worth it for those who like to arrive a little earlier at the airport.

Our Business Class flight to Hong Kong

Lots of space and comfort

It’s visible at the first glance: the Cathay Pacific Business Class – with a length of 2.08 meters and a width of 79 centimeters – offers a lot of space and comfort. Pressing a single button is required to transform the seat into a bed – if you want to store one or two items, the compartment under the armrest offers additional storage space.

New in-flight entertainment system

An 18.5-inch screen and a 4.3-inch video device are available. The new in-flight entertainment system offers absolutely everything to be desired; there are hundreds of movies, the latest films from Hollywood, music, games and more. The over-ears headphones are comfortable and convince qualitatively.

How about the food?

For dinner there were 3 menus and one or the other good wine to choose from. There’s nothing to complain about here. By the way, late risers are very welcome here, shortly after the departure I was asked if I would like to be woken up for breakfast.

The Service

The service in the Cathay Pacific Business Class was very friendly and courteous. After I sat down comfortably, the crew greeted me warmly and asked me where I was going and what I was going to do. There are some differences between Business & Premium Eco regarding service – understandable, because the crew has more customers to serve in the Premium Eco.

Prices Business Class Zurich – Hong Kong and back with Cathay Pacific approx. 3,900 CHF

The way back with the Cathay Pacific Premium Economy Class

Before our aircraft tour I was of the opinion that the interim solution of a Premium Economy Class is more or less a good marketing idea of the airlines. But my flight with the Cathay Pacific Premium Economy Class proves how wrong I actually was.

During the aircraft tour I already noticed that this relatively new class offers a lot more comfort and freedom than economy. So I took the chance to fly Premium Eco on my way back home.

The conclusion
From my point of view quite positive, I will book the class in any case gladly again.

• Approx. 20cm more legroom and wider seats (which suits me with a size of 6.4 very well)
• Surprisingly much space and lying comfort (7h slept through)
• The service is nice and reminds of the Cathay Pacific Business Class.

Prices Premium Economy Class Zurich – Hong Kong and back with Cathay Pacific approx. 1,600 CHF

About the Airbus A350-1000

The Airbus A350 is the latest flagship of the long-haul fleet and is considered the quietest aircraft type. In terms of fuel consumption, the aircraft is 25 percent more economical than other types in its class. Cathay Pacific’s A350-1000 has a completely new in-flight product in all three classes. A quiet cabin, panoramic windows, LED mood lighting and large luggage compartments provide a pleasant feeling of space in all classes. The seating configuration consists of 46 seats in Business Class (1-2-1 seating), 32 seats in Premium Economy Class (2-4-2) and 256 seats in Economy Class (3-3-3). All seats are equipped with state-of-the-art HD touch screens.