INDUSTRY NEWS

Cathay Pacific Unveils Boeing 777-300ER Cabin Redesign

October 18th, 2024 – Cathay Pacific Unveils Retrofitted Boeing 777-300ER Aircraft

There’s something major on the way. Starting from this year, Cathay Pacific’s 30 Boeing 777-300ER aircraft will receive a significant makeover, featuring new Business and Premium Economy cabins, as well as a refreshed Economy.

This overhaul isn’t just a simple facelift: it’s part of a larger plan to ensure that they remain at the forefront of design and innovation in the skies. “We have a very clear product lifecycle strategy,” says Vivian Lo, General Manager Customer Experience & Design at Cathay. “Each plane is on a schedule for us to bring in fresh new products, to ensure that we deliver on our ambition to be one of the world’s greatest service brands – and, from there, the best premium airline.”

“We wanted to create a different feeling in each cabin, but also something holistic and connected.” 

Fuelled by this ambition, the Cathay Customer Experience & Design team joined forces with longstanding partners JPA Design  to design the new cabins, centred around passenger needs. “It was all about creating the most human-centric environment,” says Elliott Koehler, Creative Director at JPA Design.

From the refined, sophisticated ambience of Business to the fresh, dynamic energy of Cathay Pacific’s Economy cabins, you’ll notice the difference as soon as you walk on board. The harmonious palette of nature-inspired materials, combined with smart lighting design, makes for a warm, welcoming environment. “We wanted to create a different feeling in each cabin, but also something holistic and connected,” says Koehler.

The designers paid meticulous attention to every detail, no matter how small, to create the most thoughtful experience in the skies. Taking cues from their award-winning Cathay Pacific lounges, they hand-picked every material to create a sense of calm and designed every feature for intuitive use.

 

“It’s thoughtfully designed and effortlessly intuitive. That’s what truly sets us apart.”

 

Artistry takes flight in their Business cabins, where their all- new Aria Suite offers superb comfort, privacy and practicality. The large lie-flat beds fully extend for a restful sleep, and new features – a privacy door, wrap-around seat design and sliding partitions between seats – enhance your feeling of seclusion. Each feature has been designed to be as intuitive and useful as possible, from smart stowage to a large side table complete with a wireless charging station.

“When you’re in the Aria Suite, you’ll find that technology is really at the forefront,” says Lo. “We brought in a lot of the best tech from the aviation world, and it’s all seamlessly integrated.” Personal 24-inch 4K monitors serve as the “control centre of your experience”, says Lo, allowing you to adjust your seat position, lighting level and more with just a few taps. Or if you’re lying down, you can easily personalise your experience using the panel next to your armrest.

And as part of their Gallery in the Skies initiative, each of their Boeing 777-300ER Business cabins showcases a unique artwork created by an artist with deep ties to Hong Kong. They’ll be progressively added on board – make sure you keep an eye out.

Cathay Pacific’s enhanced Premium Economy cabins bring you more of what matters to you most, with a new seat design that provides a greater sense of personal space. Other thoughtful touches add to your comfort on board, including a reading light next to the headrest, as well as clever storage solutions for personal devices. “You’re not getting just a bigger seat,” says Koehler. “It’s a highly customised experience, with a focus on space, privacy and convenience.”

Cathay Pacific has also elevated their entertainment system with new 4K widescreen monitors in Business and Premium Economy and Bluetooth audio connectivity throughout the aircraft.

You’ll notice the difference as soon as you step on board our Boeing 777-300ER. “It’s thoughtfully designed and effortlessly intuitive,” says Lo. “That’s what truly sets us apart.”