Experience Cathay Pacific’s New Premium Economy: Enhanced Comfort with Large Screen Monitors and More Privacy [Report]

Cathay Pacific Airways announced its new Business Class “Aria Suite” and Premium Economy Class in October 2024. A total of 30 Boeing 777-300ER aircraft will be refurbished and deployed primarily on long-haul routes in stages.

Up until mid-January, there was one daily round-trip between Tokyo/Narita and Hong Kong. Subsequently, it has been deployed on the Hong Kong to London/Heathrow route, and is labeled as “77J” on seat availability and flight status screens, which can be confirmed through these inquiries.

The total number of seats is 361, with 45 Business Class seats, 48 Premium Economy Class seats, and 268 Economy Class seats. Both Business and Premium Economy Classes have seen an increase compared to before.

Personally, I felt that the previous Business Class was quite a well-refined area that was easy for everyone to use, and the Premium Economy Class was also one of my favorite seats, being comfortable enough for travel between Japan and Hong Kong. Therefore, I was curious about how it had evolved. This time, I flew from Tokyo/Narita to Hong Kong in Business Class “Aria Suite” and returned in Premium Economy Class. This report covers the latter part (For more information, click here, Cooperation for this report: Cathay Pacific Airways).

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The return flight to Tokyo/Narita was scheduled to depart at 10:30 AM, so I arrived at 7:30 AM to explore the lounge. Premium Economy Class users can only enter if they are elite members of Cathay or Oneworld, but I was graciously allowed to take a look for this report.

Cathay Pacific has five lounges at Hong Kong International Airport, including “The Wing,” “The Pier” first and business class lounges, and “The Deck.” “The Wing” is undergoing refurbishment, and “The Bridge,” which was closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, will reopen.

This time, I visited “The Pier,” accessible by shuttle from immigration. The nearest lounge varies by boarding gate; “The Wing” or “The Bridge” is recommended if it’s close to immigration, while “The Pier” is ideal if it’s far. The shuttle is one-way, so you have to walk back from distant lounges.

At “The Pier” First Class Lounge, “The Dining Room” offers restaurant-style meals. Partnering with Rosewood Hong Kong, a variety of menus are available, including the signature “Dan Dan Noodles,” with menus changing between morning and afternoon.

You can enjoy drinks at “The Bar,” finish work in the spacious workspace “The Bureau,” or relax with light meals at “The Pantry.” Free massages and shower suites help you refresh, and with eight nap rooms available, “The Retreat” offers a restful spot.

Overall, the space gives a luxurious impression, and compared to the business class lounge, except for the dining area, it’s a quiet environment. Though limited to First Class passengers and Oneworld Emerald members, it’s a must-visit once.

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Even with my JAL Global Club (JGC) status, I could enter “The Pier” Business Class Lounge, which, with more eligible users than the First Class Lounge, was bustling. In return, there are more seats and diverse areas.

Personally, enjoying signature “Dan Dan Noodles,” “Wonton Noodles,” and dim sum at “The Noodle Bar” is recommended. Don’t forget “Betsy Beer,” crafted for Cathay Pacific.

“The Food Hall” offers light meals like sandwiches, bread, and salads. There’s also egg tart. After noon, freshly baked pizza from a pizza oven is available and popular, although I couldn’t try it due to my morning flight. I’ll save it for next time.

After meals, take a break at “The Teahouse” with luxury brand “JING Tea.” Coffee lovers can savor freshly brewed Illy coffee from the stall-style “Coffee Cart.”

Most people flying with Cathay Pacific from Japan via Hong Kong are likely heading to Southeast Asia or Europe. The minimum transfer time is 50 minutes, which is short for such a large airport, making it an advantage. Alternatively, one might choose to secure a longer layover to enjoy the Hong Kong atmosphere in lounges. Of course, the relaxation rooms with 14 shower rooms and nap facilities are valuable for long layovers.

While “Lounge Pass” offers paid access, it is limited to four airports: Shanghai/Pudong, Vancouver, Tokyo/Haneda, and Manila.

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Although I thought I arrived at the airport with plenty of time, boarding time came around quickly.

The Premium Economy Class has a “2-4-2” configuration, and the number of seats increased from the previous 32 or 34 to 48. The seats are the Recaro Aircraft Seating’s PL3530.

The old seats felt robust but were comfortable, allowing for good sleep without fatigue. In contrast, the new seats feel slightly wider and have a more streamlined look. According to Cathay Pacific, the seat pitch, recline angle, and seat width are mostly unchanged.

Monitors support 4K and are up to 15.6 inches with a vivid and clear image quality. Bluetooth connectivity allows the use of personal earphones or headphones. The inflight entertainment “Studio CX” skipped in the previous Business Class “Aria Suite” part, includes over 3,000 hours of content, such as originals from “HBO Max” and “Disney+.” On Airbus A350 aircraft, live broadcasts of sports programs by “Sport24” can be enjoyed.

This time, the seat next to me was vacant, but a new “Winglet,” a wall-like protrusion for resting the head, has been added for privacy. An “Intelligent Light” reading lamp is built-in, with adjustable brightness. The seat features a leg rest and footrest, providing a relaxing experience. The tray table folds in two and is stored in the armrest.

An AC power supply and USB-A power are located in the leg rest, with USB-C power under the armrest. There are storage spaces for small items. Although limited, storage is abundant with bottle holders under the monitor, seat pockets, and under the seat.

On finer points, the previous zero or one toilet has increased to two, available exclusively for Premium Economy Class passengers. Like in Business Class, the status can be checked on the monitor.

Shortly after takeoff, it was time for a meal. The main dish can be selected from the Business Class choices, while appetizers and others are the same as in Economy Class. Generally, Premium Economy Class tends to lean towards Economy Class service, but the service stands out as if it were an independent class. Sparkling wine, Prosecco, is also served in Premium Economy Class.

I didn’t use the inflight Wi-Fi on the return flight as I was enjoying the entertainment. It is charged except for Business Class and above or Cathay’s Diamond members, costing USD 12.95 for flights under six hours and USD 3.95 for messaging only, which is reasonably priced.

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Many people living in Japan are fans or followers of Cathay Pacific Airways, I believe. I am also one, disappointed with changes in regional business class and mileage programs. Yet, the moderate Hong Kong-style hospitality, highly functional seats, comfortable and relaxing lounges, irresistible Dan Dan noodles, and facility-rich airport considered number one in East Asia are unmatched.

Thus, my expectations for the new product were high, and it was a remarkable seat that met them. I look forward to its introduction to more aircraft.