A P A C AWA R D S
B E S T A S I A - P A CI F IC A IR L IN E P R EM IU M
E CO N O M Y C LA SS
CATHAY PACIFIC
WORDS DOMINIC KEITH
CATHAY PACIFIC’S NEW premium economy class, introduced on its Boeing 777-300ER long-haul fleet in 2024, is an award-worthy product for several reasons: it has features more often found in business class, blending comfort, technology and a little bit more privacy to elevate the experience significantly beyond standard economy. The Oneworld member’s latest
premium economy comes with upgraded standout technology and entertainment options delivered via 4K HDR screens with Bluetooth. The new 15.6-inch 4K touchscreen TVs are a major improvement and rival some business class offerings out there, delivering exceptional picture quality and an immersive entertainment experience. Moreover, the addition of Bluetooth audio pairing allows premium economy passengers to use their own wireless headphones, a feature previously exclusive to business class on many airlines. Cathay’s inflight entertainment
system (IFE), previously recognised by Business T
raveller Asia-Pacific
readers, has once again been updated to deliver an even more user-friendly interface and expansive content library. Case in point: the IFE now has a live update feature allowing passengers to check the occupancy of their cabin’s lavatories from their seatback screens to minimise wait times.
‘Cathay Pacifc often partners with Michelin-starred restaurants’
Readers often remark that Cathay’s
latest premium economy is almost like a “business-lite” product, offering some of the comforts and privacy of business but for half the fare or less. With a 40in/102cm seat pitch and a generous 8in/20cm recline, the new premium economy seats offer more space than the industry average, and they come with leather-padded footrests and full-length calf rests to help getting, and staying, comfortable. The redesigned recliners also include “privacy wings” that make the cabin feel more exclusive. These, combined with a greater sense of personal space, provide a private “cubby house” feel. Cathay’s premium economy
also comes with upgraded dining and Prosecco (no Champagne!) throughout the flight. Menus change frequently and Cathay often partners with Michelin-starred restaurants to provide a dining experience usually reserved for business passengers. This year, the Hong Kong flag
carrier joined hands with Michelin- starred restaurant Yat Tung Heen to bring its premium economy cabins a “Hong Kong Flavours” menu of
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2025
SEATING PRETTY Cathay’s premium economy product has been described as ‘business lite’
refined Cantonese classics, ranging from appetisers to mains, so that passengers “may experience Hong Kong’s vibrant culinary heritage on board”.
Complementing its seasonal culinary updates in premium economy, Cathay also partners with The Coffee Academics, one of the pioneers in speciality coffee in Hong Kong, to provide the latest roasts and aromas to its passengers. But of course, the airline’s premium
economy experience begins on the ground, with dedicated check-in counters and priority boarding, which makes the airport process smoother and faster; naturally, passengers also enjoy an increased baggage allowance.
NEED TO KNOW: CANTONESE DELIGHTS “This year’s Yat Tung Heen inflight menu available in
premium economy is part of our ‘Hong Kong Flavours’ portfolio, a uniquely Cathay offering that delights
customers with iconic, quality dishes from our home hub,” says Bernard Mills, Cathay’s head of dining and hospitality. “Yat Tung Heen shares our vision when it comes to celebrating Hong Kong and Cantonese food.”
BUSINESS TRAVELLER ASIA-PACIFIC 69
IMAGES COURTESY OF CATHAY PACIFIC
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92
