“Competition among airlines for high-end customers is heating up in the region as Hong Kong flag carrier Cathay Pacific joins the fray, with analysts warning that patrons could face rising airfares despite the tussle for market share.
Cathay last month rolled out a new business class cabin, called Aria Suite, together with its premium economy seats on board its retrofitted Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.
It also announced a new first-class cabin featured in the carrier’s 777-9s, as well as a flat-bed business-class offering on its Airbus A330 aircraft in 2026.
Aria-equipped 777s have a total of 361 seats, including 45 seats in business class where passengers can enjoy features such as a sliding privacy door, wireless charging and a 24-inch 4K screen with Bluetooth audio pairing.
Rival Singapore Airlines earlier announced a S$1.1 billion (US$817 million) investment to retrofit its 41 Airbus A350-900 long-haul aircraft with refreshed business class cabins and premium economy seats available from 2026.
As part of its multi-year plan, the carrier will launch its luxury first-class cabins on its seven A350-900ULR aircraft, featuring four exclusive first-class suites, including amenities such as electric window blinds.
The carrier’s business class will be upgraded with a new seat design that includes sliding doors, similar to the ones designed for the coming 777-9.
In July, Qatar Airways announced to roll out redesigned business cabins called Qsuite Next Gen next year on board its Boeing B777-9 aircraft, equipped with movable 4K OLED screens, which it said was a first for any airline in the world.
In March, British Airways also announced plans to roll out a new first-class suite for its route from the United Kingdom to the United States, as part of its A380 aircraft refurbishment plan.”
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