Inside Cathay Pacific’s new business-class suites

It’s first-class luxury in business.

The battle of the skies just got more competitive with Cathay Pacific commencing flights with its long-awaited new Aria Suite – a next-level business-class experience designed to make you forget you’re even on a plane.

Rolling out on the airline’s Boeing 777-300ER fleet, the Aria Suite signals a bold new era for the Hong Kong-based airline as it raises the bar on long-haul luxury. Think cocoon-like privacy, clever design and the kind of little details that make 12 hours in the sky feel like a breeze.

The aircrafts are currently flying five times per week on selected Sydney-Hong Kong flights and will be regularly deployed on Cathay Pacific’s flight CX162 from early April.

Enjoy a full sleep in the Aria Suite.

The standout feature? Fully enclosed sliding doors create your own little sanctuary in the sky. Designed with earthy tones, warm timber finishes, and plush textures inspired by Hong Kong’s architectural and natural landscapes, the Aria Suite is all about quiet luxury. The new colour palette softens the space while lighting enhancements allow travellers to customise their experience.

At the centre of each suite is a seat that effortlessly transforms into a fully flat bed. But it’s the tech upgrades that are turning heads: a 60-centimetre 4K UHD screen for bingeing the latest blockbusters, Bluetooth audio pairing so you can ditch the airline headphones and use your AirPods and wireless charging for keeping all your devices powered up. Storage is plentiful and thoughtfully designed, so you won’t be awkwardly fishing for your book mid-flight or cramming your laptop into seatback pockets.

Another clever addition is the upgraded personal service interface, giving passengers the power to request help or adjust their comfort levels easily. Whether you want to settle in with a glass of Champagne and a movie or knock out a few hours of sleep in peace, the experience is designed to be seamless, stylish and distinctly Cathay.

Adjust your comfort levels easily.

Cathay Pacific regional general manager of Southwest Pacific, Frosti Lau says the upgrade is part of the airline’s ambition to offer “an unparalleled level of comfort and convenience.”

Adding another layer of sophistication to the experience, business-class passengers will pass by Gallery in the Skies – an all-new exhibition space showcasing a curated collection of artworks from artists with deep ties to Hong Kong.

Of course, Cathay didn’t stop there. The airline also gave its premium economy cabin a glow-up, with new seats that offer more storage, a wider 39-centimetre 4K TV, and a thoughtful redesign that prioritises legroom and reclining for long-haul comfort. It’s a solid middle-ground option for those who want a little extra without breaking the bank.

Luxury, privacy, and serious style? Consider us ready for take-off.

Enjoy long-haul travel in comfort? Find out everything we know about Qantas’ Project Sunrise (so far).